[Combined chemotherapy for head and neck cancer using cisplatin, methotrexate and continuous subcutaneous infusion of peplomycin].

Twenty-one patients with advanced or recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck were treated with cisplatin, methotrexate and continuous subcutaneous infusion of peplomycin. The overall response rate was 62% (13/21) with 19% (4/21) complete response. The median duration of partial response was 2 months, while that of complete response was 3 months. Toxic effects were acceptable with no fatalities, but nephrotoxicity (33%), leukocytopenia (24%), thrombocytopenia (29%) and severe nausea and vomiting (76%) occurred. Pulmonary toxicity due to continuous subcutaneous infusion of peplomycin (15 mg/day, 4 days) was not seen.