Michinori Murai

Efficacy and Toxicity of Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy with Nedaplatin and S-1 for Head and Neck Cancer

OBJECTIVE We investigated the efficacy and toxicity of concurrent chemoradiotherapy with nedaplatin and S-1 for head and neck cancer, as an alternative to cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil. METHODS A total of 31 patients were enrolled in this study. S-1 was administered orally twice a day for 14 days followed by a 2-week rest. Nedaplatin was intravenously administered on day 4. If possible, two courses of chemotherapy were performed. The radiotherapy was started concurrently with the administration of S-1. RESULTS The overall complete response rate was 81%. The 2-year overall survival rate was 96%. The 2-year relapse-free survival rate was 94%. The main adverse events were hematological toxicity, mucositis and dermatitis. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that this therapeutic regimen has either an equal or lower toxicity than the conventional cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil, and that it has equal efficacy with regard to the clinical response and short-term outcome. Moreover, it is possible to successfully perform this treatment in an outpatient setting.

Disorder of the saliva melatonin circadian rhythm in patients with Meniere's disease

Objectives –  Stress is involved in the development of symptoms of Menieres disease (MD). Stress‐related disease has been reported to be associated with disorders in the circadian rhythm of melatonin (MEL) which regulates that rhythm. We therefore investigated MEL circadian rhythm of patients with MD.

Gas Gangrene in the Neck caused by Peritonsillar Abscess; A Case Report

The patient was 89-year-old male who complained of sore throat and swallowing pain. X-ray and CT showed gas formation in the neck. We performed an emergency operation, found necrotic tissues and diagnosed gas gangrene. In our earlier experiences with gas gangrene, there were many bacteria in the pathological specimen. In this case, anaerobic bacteria were detected in the necrotic tissues, contributing to the pathological diagnosis. Furthermore, we paid attention to the change in LDH based on past experiences. In the blood test, LDH rose simultaneously as his condition got worse. Findings of necrotic tissues in the pathological investigation was useful to the detection of bacteria and LDH showed the degree of gas gangrene.