Abstract
After irradiation or chemotherapy of tumors of the head and neck, histological alterations might be difficult to assess. In 30 cases of squamous cell carcinomas of the pharynx, changes in argyrophilic nucleolar organizer region (AgNOR) counts were investigated after therapy. After treatment a significant decrease of AgNOR counts was detected (P < 0.001). No significant differences could be found between groups treated with radiotherapy, chemotherapy or a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. These findings suggest that AgNOR counts might be useful to assess cytotoxic effects on a subcellular level.
MeSH terms
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Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
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Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / drug therapy*
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Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / radiotherapy*
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Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / ultrastructure
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Cell Survival / drug effects
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Cell Survival / radiation effects
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Combined Modality Therapy
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Humans
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Nucleolus Organizer Region / drug effects*
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Nucleolus Organizer Region / radiation effects*
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Nucleolus Organizer Region / ultrastructure
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Otorhinolaryngologic Neoplasms / drug therapy*
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Otorhinolaryngologic Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
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Otorhinolaryngologic Neoplasms / ultrastructure
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Radiotherapy Dosage
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Treatment Outcome