Long-term results of a pilot study for the treatment of advanced unresectable head and neck tumors by combination chemotherapy and split course radiotherapy.
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.
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
D001761:Bleomycin; D014750:Vincristine; D002955:Leucovorin; D005472:Fluorouracil; D006854:Hydrocortisone; D008727:Methotrexate