title: Initial adjuvant therapy in advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck employing weekly high dose methotrexate with leucovorin rescue.
abstract: Our initial experience with weekly high dose methotrexate with leucovorin rescue (MTX-LCV), in advanced recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck with a 77% tumor response rate and high therapeutic index, prompted a trial of MTX-LCV as initial adjuvant therapy in high risk nonmetastatic patients. Results in 11 patients are presented and confirm the high response rate to MTX-LCV and the low incidence of myelotoxicity and mucositis, when concurrent urinary alkalinization is employed. Initial MTX-LCV administrations has not compromised subsequent optimum aggressive combinations of surgery and radiation therapy. Cytoreduction with MTX-LCV may be safely used initially in combined therapy for high risk squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.
mesh_terms: D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000628:therapy; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000628:therapy; D002955:Leucovorin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D002955:Leucovorin; D008727:Methotrexate