Methodology and Clinical Applications of Cellular DNA Content Parameters Determined by Flow Cytometry in Squamous Celi Cancers of the Head and Neck

Most patients with squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (SCCHN) present with incurable or recurrent disease, and many who are cured acquire unacceptable functional and cosmetic deficits as a consequence of conventional therapy [1,2]. Effective cytotoxic treatment regimens may eventually cure patients in advanced stages as well as prevent recurrences and reduce the undesirable consequences of conventional therapy in patients with earlier stages [3–5]. Overall and complete response (CR) rates in the range of 80–90% and 35–54% respectively, have been reported in advanced tumors [1]. CR rates above 80% have been described recently in pilot trials using intensive chemotherapy or concurrent chemo-radiotherapy [6–7]. Patients achieving clinical CR demonstrate survival advantages [1–5] which are particularly evident when therapy results in the eradication of microscopic disease [8]. Nevertheless, following initial treatment, 50% of the patients achieve less than a CR, and 50% of the CRs are associated with residual microscopic disease.