Good tolerance and long-term complete remission after definitive intensity-modulated radiotherapy for locally advanced head and neck cancer in a patient with human immunodeficiency virus infection: A case report and literature review
Journal
Head and Neck
Journal Volume
37
Journal Issue
12
Pages
E186-E190
Date Issued
2015
Author(s)
Abstract
Background The main concerns with radiation therapy for head and neck cancer in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients include limited tumor response and profound mucosal or skin toxicities under severe immunocompromised status. Methods In this study, we describe the clinicopathological features, chronological changes in HIV viral loads and CD4 counts, and treatment outcomes of definitive radiotherapy for locally advanced head and neck cancer in an HIV-infected patient. Results Despite low CD4 counts (80 cells/μL), a combination of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (70 Gy of simultaneously integrated boost intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), fluorouracil, and leucovorin) was well-tolerated. Grade 3 mucositis and dermatitis were resolved 2 weeks after treatment completion. The patient was alive and remained disease-free 31 months after treatment. Conclusion For patients with HIV diagnosed with locally advanced head and neck cancer, good tolerance and outcome can be achieved with definitive radiotherapy while on HAART. ? 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
SDGs
Other Subjects
atazanavir; fluorouracil; folinic acid; lamivudine plus zidovudine; adult; advanced cancer; Article; cancer combination chemotherapy; cancer regression; case report; CD4 lymphocyte count; dermatitis; disease free survival; drug tolerance; hepatitis C; highly active antiretroviral therapy; histopathology; human; Human immunodeficiency virus infection; human tissue; intensity modulated radiation therapy; larynx carcinoma; male; medical history; middle aged; mixed infection; mucosa inflammation; nuclear magnetic resonance imaging; priority journal; radiation dose; squamous cell carcinoma; supraglottic laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma; tracheotomy; treatment outcome; tumor biopsy; virus load; weight reduction; adjuvant chemoradiotherapy; cancer staging; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; complication; drug effects; Head and Neck Neoplasms; HIV Infections; immunocompromised patient; Laryngeal Neoplasms; procedures; radiotherapy dosage; remission; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Chemoradiotherapy, Adjuvant; Head and Neck Neoplasms; HIV Infections; Humans; Immunocompromised Host; Laryngeal Neoplasms; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Staging; Radiotherapy Dosage; Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated; Remission Induction; Treatment Outcome; Viral Load
Publisher
John Wiley and Sons Inc.
Type
journal article