Most
lip cancers are usually diagnosed and can be treated with good prognosis at an early stage. This study reports our experience of treating seven, previously untreated, patients with
lip cancer in stage I or II using
intraarterial infusion chemotherapy with a single agent. They were all males with ages ranging from 37 to 69 years. An implantable
port-catheter system was used for catheterization.
Methotrexate 50mg was infused continuously to the external carotid artery every 24h using a portable pump.
Methotrexate was given continuously for a mean period of 7 days (range, 4-10 days) and the total administrated dose of
methotrexate for
intraarterial infusion ranged from 200 to 500 mg (mean, 350 mg). These seven patients were then given weekly bolus of
methotrexate (25mg) via intraarterial route for a range of 6-12 weeks. In every case the
tumor regressed dramatically and disappeared completely
after treatment within a mean period of 2.5 months. Only one patient died, of non-disease related
pneumonia 3 years after infusion
therapy. The remaining patients are still alive and no recurrence of
carcinoma has been observed at a median follow-up period of 28 months. There was no
catheter-related complication. The side effects of infusion
chemotherapy were mild and tolerable. Our technique of continuous
intraarterial infusion therapy for treatment of early
lip cancers seems to be as effective as other standard techniques such as surgery or
radiation therapy. This modality achieves good
tumor response rates, an excellent cosmetic result, preservation of function and minimal side effects.