Head and neck cancer treatment and physical plasma

This study is a retrospective review of representing clinical follow-up of 12 patients afflicted with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Herein, we have used novel physical cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAP) to decontaminate infected cancer ulcerations and evaluated anti-cancer effects. With use of CAP in this cohort, the data suggests: (1) decreased request for pain medication and (2) reduction of typical fetid odor related to (3) reduction of microbial load. In some cases there is (4) superficial partial remission of tumor and even (5) wound healing of infected ulcerations has been observed following CAP exposure. As a result, CAP treatment appears of benefit for select head and neck cancer patients and future work to optimize CAP in the therapeutic armamentarium advances. (C) 2015 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.