title: Continuous infusion of 5-FU with split-dose cisplatin: an effective treatment for advanced squamous-cell carcinoma of the head and neck.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to determine if a combination chemotherapy, using continuous intravenous infusion of fluorouracil (5-FU) in combination with split-dose cisplatin, in patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous-cell could improve previously reported clinical outcomes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-two patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous-cell cancer were treated by cisplatin (25 mg/m(2)/day on days 1-3) and 5-FU (750 mg/m(2)/day for 120 hours; continuous intravenous infusion on days 1 through 5) with a cycle that repeated every 3 weeks.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 42 patients, 8 (19.1%) showed complete response and 12 (28.5%) demonstrated a partial response, giving an overall response rate of 47.6%. Response rates were significantly different for patients undergoing initial treatment vs. re-treatment:73.6% (14/19) vs. 25.9% (6/23), respectively (χ(2)=9.45, P < 0.05). Median time to progression was 7.2 months and median overall survival was 13.7 months. The 1 year survival was 57.1%. Toxicity mainly included myelo-suppression, mucositis, nausea and vomiting.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Chemotherapy with 5-FU by continuous intravenous infusion in combination with split-dose cisplatin is effective with a tolerable toxicity profile in patients with recurrent, or metastatic squamous-cell carcinoma of head and neck. The overall response was significantly higher in patients undergoing initial treatment in comparison with patients undergoing re-treatment after relapse.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Hospital, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, PR China.
authors.forename: Zhiguo
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Luo
authors.forename: Jianhua
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Ye
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Guo
authors.forename: Hui
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.forename: Fangfang
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Lu
authors.forename: Xianghua
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: Jin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Li
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002945:Cisplatin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D002945:Cisplatin; D005472:Fluorouracil