Hello,

My father has been recently diagnosed (1/07) with SSC of the pharynx. It is a large mass > 4 cm and has lymph node involvement. He is currently receiving treatment in Florida. His oncologists (both radiation and chemo) agreed that he should receive chemo with out radiation as a first step, because the chemo oncologist wanted to give him the highest dose possible and felt that he would not be able to endure both treatments at once. He finished his first five day out patient round of chemo on saturday and has had a tough time of it. He is currently hospitalized because of neutropenic fever. He is reacting well to antibiotics and will hopefully be discharged soon.

Although nothing has been decided, the chemo oncologist has indicated that it may be best for my Dad to stop chemotherapy and start radiation.

I have a couple of questions.

First, can anyone refer me to a doctor for my Dad in Boston or pereferably on the North Shore of Massachusetts. I would assume Dana Farber is the place to go, but I would really appreciate knowing of a doctor that someone else in a similar situation has had a good experience with. My Dad's primary residence is on the Northshore of Massachusetts and my brother and I are really itching to get him home so that we can better help him through his treatments.

Second, has anyone experienced a similar course of treatment who can shed light on if it would be better to continue chemo at a lesser dose or move onto radiation. I have heard no discussion of concurrent therapy in the near future.

Thank you.

You can't go wrong by going to one of the nation's best, Dana Farber. I would do this over seeing a doctor in private practice - you want a multidiciplinary approach. Chemotherapy by itself is not curative in oral cancers and is usually used in cobination with radiation. Concurrent therapy is the standard of care. Sounds like he is not currently in a multidiciplinary environment in Florida, unless there are some age frailty or other health issues that would compromise his ability to endure treatments. If would be good for him to be near family while he was going through all this and MA sounds like a good call.

Daughter2,

My treatment plan was worked out at Dana Farber -- however, since it was 18 years ago, you won't find the same team there now. I do agree with Brian that your father would be well-advised to go there to get a comprehensive review of his situation.

If you want to send me a private message about any specific questions regarding Boston area hospitals or physicians, you're welcome to do so.

Cathy