My father has been diagnosed with recurrent nodal metastasis and he already had 3 x Chemo DCF (or TPF) regimen - Cisplatin (D1-D2: 60+60mg), Taxuba (D1: 120 mg), 5-FU (D1-D3: 1200mg).

He has also undergone RT RND + PMMC. Biopsy says SCC - 6 cm Nodal mass, Perineural Invasion (PNI), Extracapular extension (ECE), 3/10 Nodes, Soft tissue from carotid sheath and prevertebral muscles shows tumor deposits.

ENT will plan treatment this week and revert on 26th. Just wondering what could be a possible course of treatment.

DCF regimen did not help decreasing tumour size, probably malignant cells seems to have developed Cisplatin resistance due to his prior CRT in 2009.

Will RT alone help? Not too confident about Erbitux for concurrent CRT.

Standard of care usually is surgically remove tumors if feasible then radiation which is normally paired with chemo (cisplatin or Erbitux) that enhances the effectiveness of the radiation therapy.

In some cases when surgery isn't an option due to location or invasiveness, radiation and chemo are used then surgery after to "clean up the mess" so to speak. This was my case. Radiation or surgery both can be used as a stand alone treatment depending on the case, however odds of surviving are increased dramatically when these treatments are used together. Erbitux is a very effective drug that enhances the effectiveness of radiation and many of the survivors on this site have undergone this treatment.

Hope that helps

Eric

I took a quick look at the clinical trials for recurrent cancer on the (U.S.) National Cancer Institute - many things are being tested. If you haven't done so already, I think it would be worth looking at so you at least familiar with the name of up and coming drugs and protocols both here and in India.

Went to hospital today and my dad's alternate sutures removed from Neck and Chest.

Remaining sutures next week. Tumor Board probably not inclined for more Chemo so appointment scheduled with Radition Onco for 2nd August.

Shall post more info next week.

good luck with your dad...

Went to hospital today and finally dad's all sutures removed. He's feeling better now. We also had an appointment with the RO and he has decided to go ahead with Unilateral Radiotherapy, primarily targetting the areas marked by ENT during surgery.

While my dad wanted to delay the treatment by couple of weeks as he wanted to visit his hometown, the RO was inclined to start it as soon as possible. So RT planning on 8th August and RT starting from 10th August. No concurrent chemo for now.

Dose and fractionation details to follow.

That's great. I know he's in pain but tell him to do his excesses throughout treatment if possible it will help with the fibrosis and car tissue! Take care and blessings to you and your dad!

Thanks Cheryl. I shall advice him as you have mentioned, he has been a fighter so he will also take absolute care.

Cheryl

your typos almost exceed those of EZJims. there is no doubt that my Alex did his excesses during treatment but I think Eshwars father is planning on doing exercises. And car tissue - is that something that comes in a flat pack to fit in the glove box?

Karen
PS Alex has had another good day so you will have to forgive me my late night frivolity