title: Moderate-dose methotrexate in head and neck cancer.
abstract: 200 mg/m2 methotrexate given intravenously in a running drip for 6 h has been used as an initial adjuvant therapy in 38 patients with advanced head and neck cancer. The response rate is as high as 80%, with 21% achieving complete remission. Histologically, specimens were tumor free in 3 patients. Toxicity in 38 patients included leukopenia (4), mucositis (6) and diarrhea (1). This particular dose of methotrexate appears to be safe and usually does not need leucovorin rescue. Also, when given as initial treatment, it is effective in reduction of tumor bulk. A prolonged randomized trial is essential to determine its role in improving long-term survival.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000139:chemically induced; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D002955:Leucovorin; D007970:Leukopenia / Q000139:chemically induced; D008297:Male; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D002955:Leucovorin; D008727:Methotrexate