[Chemotherapy of recurrent squamous cell carcinomas in the ENT area with cisplatin/adriamycin (DDP/ADM) and methotrexate/5-fluorouracil (MTX/5-Flu): a retrospective comparison of 2 protocols].

The efficacy of two chemotherapy regimens for recurrent and inoperable squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck is reported. All patients had failed prior surgery and/or radiotherapy. 23 patients (group A) were treated with Cisplatin 120 mg/m2 and Adriamycin 60 mg/m2. 21/23 were evaluable for tumour response. The overall response rate (RR) was 28.5% (6/21, 2 CR and 4 PR). Methotrexate 250 mg/m2 with Leucovorin-Rescue 5 X 10 mg/m2 and 5-Fluorouracil 600 mg/m2 were administered to 28 patients. In 26 evaluable patients a RR of 38.4% (10/26, 5 CR and 5 PR) was achieved. The responders in groups A and B had a median survival of 98 and 85.5 weeks respectively and the non-responders 27 weeks in both groups. Nausea, vomiting and alopecia were common and severe in the DDP/ADM group. The major toxic effect of MTX/5-FU was neutropenia with two associated deaths from septicemia, although subjective side-effects were almost completely absent. MTX/5-FU can be recommended for the palliative treatment of recurrent squamous head and neck cancer because of an acceptable response rate, good subjective tolerance and the possibility of outpatient treatment.