Abstract
The therapeutic effect and toxity of combination chemotherapy with CDDP (13 mg/m2/day, day 1-5), 5-FU (600 mg/m2/day, day 1-5) and THP-ADM (20 mg/m2/day, day 1) were assesed in 20 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, 12 untreated patients and 8 patients with recurrence. The overall response rate was 65%(CR: 2, PR: 11). This regimen was effective especially in patients of epipharynx cancer and oropharynx cancer when performed as neoadjuvant chemotherapy before radiation therapy.
Myelosuppression was major side effect. Leucopenia was observed in 11 patients (grade3 2, grade 4: 1) and thrombocytopenia 3 (grade3: 1, grade 4: 1). Transfusion of thrombocyte was needed in one patient. Nausea-vomiting was observed in 12 patients, but almost low grade. Alopecia (grade 2) was observed in 2 patients.
We conclude that the combination chemotherapy with CDDP, 5-FU and THP-ADM is effective in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.
