Four cases of simultaneous triple primary cancers of the hypopharynx, esophagus, and stomach.

OBJECTIVE

To study the efficacy of intensive chemotherapy for simultaneous triple primary cancers of the hypopharynx, esophagus, and stomach.

STUDY

DESIGN

Retrospective case study.

METHODS

From April 2000 to March 2002, we treated 4 patients who had simultaneous triple primary cancers, including hypopharyngeal, esophageal, and gastric carcinomas. These 4 patients were designated as the objects for analysis, and the treatment modality for simultaneous multiple primary cancer cases was examined.

RESULTS

In 3 of 4 patients, all 3 primary cancers could be controlled by intensive induction chemotherapy and concurrent chemoradiotherapy for hypopharyngeal cancer and by endoscopic mucosal resection or argon plasma coagulation for esophageal and gastric carcinomas.

CONCLUSIONS

In the treatment modality for simultaneous multiple primary cancers, including head and neck cancer, it is important to select intensive systemic chemotherapy and decide the order for treating each primary lesion in consideration of each patient's curability and prognosis.