[Preliminary evaluation of the effectiveness of induction chemotherapy with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil in patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck].

Results of combined treatment with the use of induction chemotherapy with cisplatinum and 5-fluorouracil in 28 patients with advanced squamous cell head and neck cancer are presented. Treatment schedule included cisplatinum 100 mg/m2 i.v. in day 1 and 5-fluorouracil 100 mg/m2/24 hour in days 1-5. Complete or partial regression was observed in 15 patients (53%) Radical radiotherapy was subsequently used in 18 patients and 6 were irradiated palliatively++. One year symptom-free survival was achieved in 10 patients (36%).