TITLE:
Photoimmunotherapy for Local Recurrence of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Case Report
AUTHORS:
Yukiomi Kushihashi, Tatsuo Masubuchi, Isaku Okamoto, Chihiro Fushimi, Kenji Hanyu, Mayu Yamauchi, Yuichiro Tada, Koki Miura
KEYWORDS:
Photoimmunotherapy, Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Head and Neck Carcinoma, Cetuximab Sarotalocan Sodium
JOURNAL NAME:
International Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery,
Vol.11 No.5,
September
2,
2022
ABSTRACT: Photoimmunotherapy
(PIT), developed by the National Cancer Institute, involves Cetuximab
sarotalocan sodium infusion followed by laser irradiation. PIT exerts specific
antitumor effects on a variety of carcinomas that express epidermal growth
factor receptors. PIT is a new cancer treatment option approved by Japan ahead of other
countries worldwide. As of 2022, PIT is indicated in “unresectable, locally
advanced, or locally recurrent head and neck cancer, with priority given to
standard treatments such as chemotherapy when available”. The
conventional treatment for unresectable locally advanced or locally recurrent
head and neck cancer is palliative. Whether photoimmunotherapy can be curative
for unresectable locally advanced head and neck cancers depends on the case.
Herein, we report a case of locally recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma, treated
with photoimmunotherapy via the nasal cavity, along with a literature review.
Preoperative simulation provided considerable information on device selection,
numbers of devices, and availability of working space. As a result, a complete
response was obtained following a cylindrical
diffuser puncture. Cases of local recurrence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma are
considered a good indication for PIT. However, since the follow-up period after
treatment was short in this case, we will continue to conduct strict follow-ups and
accumulate more cases.