QUAD shotによる緩和的放射線治療を適用した終末期口腔癌の1例

Abstract

QUAD shot is a palliative radiotherapy option that has recently been attracting attention as an effective palliative radiotherapy for patients with head and neck cancer. We report a case in which QUAD shot contributed to the end-of-life care for a patient with locally advanced recurrent oral cancer who had opted against aggressive treatment. A 79-year-old man presented to our department with mandibular pain and trismus. The tumor extended from the tip of the tongue to the lower part of the tongue, and movement disorder of the tongue was observed. The histopathological diagnosis was squamous cell carcinoma. QUAD shot was selected according to the patient' s wishes, and three courses were performed. During the first course, pain control was achieved through the administration of opioid and, at the end, the tumor decreased in size and the pain was alleviated. Thereafter, oral symptoms including pain were controlled and oral function was maintained for about four months from the end of treatment until death. QUAD shot appears to be a useful palliative treatment for reducing pain and maintaining quality of life in patients with locally advanced oral cancer.