Abstract
The continuous combination chemotherapy of vincristine, methotrexate, peplomycin and mitomycin c (VMPM therapy) was carried out in 9 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral region. During this VMPM therapy, severe a bone marrow depression was observed, so that its clinical aspect was presented.
Side effects due to VMPM therapy were detected in 7 cases (77.8%), and especially in 4 cases, white blood cells (W BC) and platelets began to decrease rapidly about 4 to 5 days after the begining of VMPM therapy. The number of W BC and platelets in these 4 cases were 500-700/mm3 and 7, 000-34, 000/mm3 at their nadir, respectively. A few antibiotics, together with human immunoglobulin in 1 case, were applied to prevent infection, and there was no evidence of infection. As to the thrombocytopenia, the approximate 19-31 units of platelet rich plasma were infused to each case, which resulted in no episode of bleeding.
