Slow-release local chemotherapeutic regimen for maxillary sinus cancer.

Silicone foam containing BLM and implanted in the cavity resulting from the resection of a tumor seemed to act against any tumor cells remaining in the resection site in microscopic amounts by slowly releasing this carcinostatic agent. The silicone foam is molded in precise accordance with the shape of the wound surface as it foams and hardens, leaving no space between the material and the wound surface. The carcinostatic agent released can, therefore, act on the entire surface of the wound, and the implantation also has a hemostatic effect. High tissue concentrations of the agent can be maintained for a long time due to the slow-release properties of the silicone foam. Systemic side effects of the procedure seem to be negligible. Local recurrence of cancer was observed in 11 (33.4%) of our 32 patients. Three-year survival was seen in 1 (50%) of the 2 patients with T2 lesions, 11 (68.7%) of the 16 with T3 lesions and 4 (66.6%) of the 6 with T4 lesions.