[Therapy of recurrent squamous cell cancers in the ENT area with the sequential methotrexate (MTX)/5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) protocol].

MTX 250 mg./m2 was administered via i.v. push, followed 1 hour later by a 5-Fu 600 mg./m2 i.v. push. 24 hours after methotrexate, oral leucovorin-rescue started with 15 mg. Every 6 hours for a total of 5 doses. The courses were repeated at weekly intervals, if the toxicity permitted such repetition. 28 patients could be evaluated for response. The overall response rate was 39.2%, with 17.8% (5/28) complete response. The mean duration of complete and partial remissions was 30,8 and 24 weeks, respectively. Subjectively, the patients tolerated the treatment very well. Objective toxicity was moderate, and the major side effect was a generally mild myelosuppression. Thus, in our experience, this regimen can be recommended in the palliative treatment of rSCCHN.