Abstract
Since 1981 we have been studying the effect of 1-hexyl arbomoyl-5-fluorouracil (HCFU) on head and neck tumors. HCFU is converted into the active FU form, with prolonged high retention in blood and tissues. We also applied HCFU combined with radiation therapy. In the present study, we followed up patients received primary treatment at our department from 1981 to 1982, with special viewpoints of the primary effects and 5-year survival rates in a concomitant HCFU and radiation therapy.(1) Effect of primary therapy and 5-year survival rates based on stage classification.(2) Effect of primary therapy with and without after-treatment following concomitant therapy with HCFU and radiation. HUFU has a higher liposolubility than 5FU-type drugs, and is rapidly absorbed by oral administration. This maintains high concentration in the blood and in tumor tissue. These characteristics indicate that concomitant use with radiation is more effective in the treatment than other types of 5FU. It is possible that HCFU improves the result of nonsurgical therapy in head and neck cancers and plays a useful role in a combined therapy.
