The prediction of tumor regression in human squamous carcinoma by means of the potential tumor doubling time.
Thirty-three patients with locally advanced epidermoid cancer of the mouth were investigated by means of the potential tumor doubling time prior to each of four weekly infusions of methotrexate. The agent used to induce metaphase arrest was vincristine sulphate 2 mg intravenous push and the methotrexate was given in a dose of 100 mg/M2 body surface. In twenty-one patients the investigation was completed. It was found that in those patients where the P.T.D.T. was maintained at its original level there was a greater than 50% reduction in the size of the lesion, whereas when the P.T.D.T. became greatly prolonged there was no such reduction. It is suggested that the P.T.D.T. provides a simple same day method of evaluating one parameter in the cell kinetics of accessible tumors and that this information can be used to individualize chemotherapy schedules.
D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008938:Mitosis; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D011379:Prognosis; D012075:Remission, Spontaneous; D013997:Time Factors; D014750:Vincristine / Q000494:pharmacology
D014750:Vincristine; D008727:Methotrexate