Review Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore 1996

Hypoxic sensitizer and cytotoxin for head and neck cancer.

Lee DJ, Moini M, Giuliano J, Westra WH — Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore, 1996

View Original on PubMed PMID 8876907

Tier 2, Indexed

Automatically imported from PubMed based on relevance criteria.

Summary

What Researchers Did

This review article examined the role of tumour hypoxia in radiotherapy outcomes and summarized the rationale and results of clinical trials using hypoxic sensitizers or cytotoxins for head and neck carcinoma.

What They Found

Researchers found that tumour hypoxia is a significant factor contributing to radioresistance, with low oxygen concentrations linked to poor local-regional control. Early 1970s hyperbaric oxygen trials improved local control and survival rates in head and neck cancer patients receiving radiotherapy, but later trials of nitro-imidazoles, including a 298-patient RTOG trial and a 626-patient Danish trial, yielded inconclusive results.

Canadian Relevance

This study has no direct Canadian connection.

Study Limitations

As a review article, this study's findings are limited by the scope and quality of the clinical trials and evidence available up to 1996.

This plain-language summary is generated with AI assistance and checked against the source abstract before publication. See our editorial policy.

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Study Details

Study Type	Review
Category	Radiation Injury
Source	Pubmed
PubMed ID	8876907
Year Published	1996
Journal	Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore
MeSH Terms	Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Carcinoma; Cell Hypoxia; Clinical Trials as Topic; Clinical Trials, Phase I as Topic; Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic; Etanidazole; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Humans; Hyperbaric Oxygenation; Mice; Microelectrodes; Misonidazole; Oxygen Consumption

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Disclaimer: This study summary is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. The information presented reflects the findings of the original research authors and may not represent the views of Canada Hyperbarics. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making treatment decisions.

Last reviewed: April 2, 2026 | Reviewed by: Canada Hyperbarics Editorial Team | Editorial process | Research sources | Counts & methodology