Abstract
Since October 1976, I clinically applied the principal regimens of a multiple combination chemotherapy heretofore reported, and studied their efficacies. While on the other hand, fundamental studies of cancer chemotherapy based on cell kinetics using nude mice and cytofluorograph had been performed. And from the results of the clinical application of the known regimens of multiple drug combination chemotherapy and those of the fundamental studies, two clinical protocols were developed.
One regimen is a M-phase synchronized combination chemotherapy, using Vincristine, Methotrexate, Bleomycin and Mitomycin-C, and the other is S-phase synchronized combination chemotherapy, using Hydroxyurea, Adriamycin and Bleomycin. Since May 1979, 51 patients with malignant tumors of the head and neck regions were treated with these two regimens. Positive responses (more than 50 % tumor regression) were obtained in 74% (29/39) of the cases treated by regimen I, and in 43% (3/7) of the cases by regimen H.
The lassitude and febrile responses provided the main problems during the treatment but they were only transient. Late complications were found in the bone marrow suppression. One patient in the advanced stages with a poor prognosis was treated with regimen I which had on episode of sepsis which ended in death.
These results illustrate a potential for combination chemotherapy for head and neck cancer.
