title: Long-term results of a pilot study for the treatment of advanced unresectable head and neck tumors by combination chemotherapy and split course radiotherapy.
abstract: The results of treatment of 30 patients with advanced unresectable squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (stage III and IV) are presented. These patients were treated in a pilot study using kinetically based combination chemotherapy and split course radiotherapy from July 1977 until December 1979. Twenty-three patients (76%) achieved a local response (53% complete and 23% partial) and the median survival was 16 months. The two-year survival was 43%. Although no significant increase in acute radiation morbidity was seen, 43% of the patients developed chronic symptomatic complications. Seven patients (23%) developed second primary cancers, of which five were bronchogenic carcinomas and two were esophageal carcinomas. The regimen adopted produced a high local control rate with permanent local control in 50% of patients treated, but this was achieved at the expense of a high chronic toxicity rate. The incidence of second primary malignancies, presumably because of on-going environmental factors, remains a continuing concern.
mesh_terms: D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001761:Bleomycin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002955:Leucovorin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008297:Male; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D014750:Vincristine / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D001761:Bleomycin; D014750:Vincristine; D002955:Leucovorin; D005472:Fluorouracil; D006854:Hydrocortisone; D008727:Methotrexate