Head and Neck Cancer Information in Japan

Summary

The designated source does not cover all head and neck cancers. It focuses on “selective intra-arterial infusion combined with radiotherapy” for oral cancer, especially tongue cancer. The source states that surgery (subtotal or total glossectomy) is the current standard treatment for advanced tongue cancer, and describes this approach as aiming to become a future standard.

Key terms and basic concepts

Intra-arterial infusion therapy: a catheter is placed in an artery feeding the tumour and anticancer drugs are delivered directly, as distinct from intravenous or oral administration.

Selective intra-arterial chemoradiotherapy: the artery leading to the target tumour is selected for drug delivery while radiation (proton) therapy is given in parallel.

“Head and neck cancer” covers cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, nasal cavity and more. This page is limited to the oral and tongue cancer scope of the source.

Method as described in the source (institution’s public materials)

Institution’s description

• An ECAS (external carotid arterial sheath) is inserted via the superficial temporal artery, with its tip placed between the maxillary and facial arteries.
• A microcatheter is passed through the sheath into the target artery (for advanced tongue cancer, the lingual and facial arteries) to deliver high-concentration anticancer drugs.
• The number of infusions depends on tumour size and response; the sheath is described as remaining in place for more than a month.
• Radiation (proton) therapy is given during the same period.

What to confirm with the medical team

• Whether the exact site, histology and stage are within scope for this approach
• Comparison with other options such as surgery or standard chemoradiotherapy
• Whether hospital stay or outpatient visits are needed while the catheter is in place, and how it is managed
• Whether radiation is proton or X-ray, and whether insurance, Advanced Medical Care or self-pay applies
• Post-treatment assessment of speech and swallowing, and follow-up schedule

Limitations, risks and precautions

• The source cites reports that a different, transfemoral approach carries roughly a 2–4% risk of stroke, and states that the superficial temporal artery approach carries a much lower risk. This comparison is the source’s description; individual risk is assessed by the medical team.
• The source emphasises “treatment without cutting”, but this does not mean it applies to every patient with oral or tongue cancer.
• The source includes patient testimonial videos; individual cases do not represent typical outcomes.
• Side effects of chemotherapy and radiation and catheter-related complications are not detailed in the source and should be confirmed with the medical team.

Regulatory, approval and cost information

Item	Details
Standard of care	Institution’s description The source describes surgery as the current standard for advanced tongue cancer and presents this approach as aiming toward standardisation.
Public insurance for proton therapy	Authoritative source Japan’s insurance coverage for proton therapy of head and neck malignancies excludes squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, pharynx and larynx (as of June 2024).
Advanced Medical Care status	Not confirmed Whether this approach falls under Advanced Medical Care was not confirmed in this check.
Cost	Not confirmed The source provides no cost information.
Physician information	Institution’s description The source states that the physician is a board-certified radiation oncologist of the Japan Radiological Society and JASTRO.

Questions to ask the medical team

1. Is this approach worth considering for my tumour site and stage?
2. What are the pros and cons compared with surgery or standard chemoradiotherapy?
3. What complications are possible during catheter insertion and placement?
4. Is hospitalisation needed, and how long would I need to stay?
5. Under which system would the cost be billed?

Source links and check date

• Source · 不破信和 医師 紹介サイト (口腔癌・舌癌 選択的動注併用放射線療法)
  https://fuwa-nobukazu.com/
  Checked on: 2026-10-12

External medical institutions are shown only as information sources; nothing on this site is an advertisement for, or recommendation of, any institution or treatment.

FTH is not a medical institution; it is a company that provides guidance on overseas medical information, translation, and on-site interpretation support. The content of this site is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a diagnosis or treatment recommendation for any individual, nor a guarantee of treatment results. Please discuss the suitability, risks and decision to undergo any treatment with your attending medical team.

Related articles