Predictive value of p53, Bcl2 and bax in the radiotherapy of head and neck cancer.

Radiation is known to induce DNA damage resulting in the onset of apoptosis. The apoptosis is modulated by p53, Bcl2 and Bax proteins. High level of wild type p53 is required for radiation induced apoptosis.

Antiangiogenic effects of radiotherapy but not initial microvessel density predict survival in inoperable oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Purpose: To evaluate the predictive value of intratumoral microvessel density (MVD) in patients with locally advanced, primarily inoperable oropharyngeal cancer (OPCC) treated with irradiation alone.

Patients And Methods: Tumor samples of 35 patients with OPCC subjected to radiotherapy were taken before and after 20 Gy irradiation. Histological grade, mitotic activity index and MVD of OPCC were determined.

[Radiation-induced alterations in microvessel density as predictor of treatment efficiency in oropharyngeal cancer].

In this prospective study we have evaluated the predictive role of intratumoral microvessel density (MVD) for the therapeutic response and progression of inoperable oropharyngeal cancer (OPCC) treated with radiotherapy. Thirty-five OPCC patients were enrolled in this study. Biopsies from the primary tumor were taken before and after 20 Gy irradiation.

Radiotherapy and concurrent low-dose paclitaxel in locally advanced head and neck cancer.

In our prospective study we examined the use of low-dose paclitaxel concurrently with radiation for patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer, who were not eligible for concurrent chemoradiation due to their poor general condition. Twenty-six patients were treated with external beam radiotherapy and received concomitantly 2 mg/m(2) paclitaxel three times a week. Beside an acceptable efficacy (RR: 65%, 2-year overall survival 46%) the treatment was well tolerated and resulted in a favorable toxicity profile.

[Combined modality treatment of locally advanced oral and oropharyngeal cancer following primary radiotherapy with and without taxol radiosenzitization].

AIM: To determine the effect of radiosensitization with Taxol and multimodality treatments on the survival of advanced oral and oropharyngeal cancer. Patients, methods: 56 patients with St. III-IV oral or oropharyngeal cancer were treated with external beam radiotherapy; 26 of them were sensitized by low-dose paxlitaxel and 30 were irradiated traditionally.