Platinum concentration in sentinel lymph nodes after preoperative intra-arterial cisplatin chemotherapy targeting primary tongue cancer

Abstract

Conclusion: We conclude that intra-arterially injected cisplatin passed via lymph flow into sentinel nodes (SNs) as the platinum concentration in the SNs was higher than that in the non-sentinel nodes (NSNs). It is possible that preoperative intra-arterial chemotherapy targeting primary cancer also has a therapeutic effect on subclinical metastatic SNs. Objectives: Intra-arterial chemoradiotherapy has been reported to be effective against not only primary tumors but also nodal metastases. We considered the hypothesis that intra-arterially injected cisplatin passed via lymph flow into regional nodes. This study aimed to investigate intra-arterially injected cisplatin distribution to regional nodes by comparing platinum concentrations in SNs and NSNs. Methods: Five patients with T1-2 N0 tongue cancer were treated with preoperative intra-arterial chemotherapy (cisplatin, 100 mg/m²) targeting primary cancer. Partial glossectomy together with SN biopsy and elective neck dissection were performed 2 weeks after intra-arterial chemotherapy. Platinum concentrations in the lymph nodes were measured using a Zeeman atomic absorption spectrometer. Results: Thirteen SNs were harvested together with eight NSNs from the areas adjacent to the SNs. Platinum concentrations were then measured, revealing a significant difference in platinum concentration between the SNs and the NSNs (mean ± SD, 0.682 ± 0.246 µg/g vs 0.506 ± 0.274 µg/g; p = 0.049).

Keywords::

• Nodal metastasis
• preoperative chemotherapy
• RADPLAT

Acknowledgments

This study was supported by a Health and Labour Sciences Research Grant for Clinical Cancer Research (H21-Gannrinshou-Ippan-016) from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Japan.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.