Effects of sequential administration of bleomycin in combination with mitomycin C on squamous cell carcinoma of oral regions.

A sequential administration of bleomycin in combination with mitomycin C was evaluated clinically and histologically in ten patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral region. The therapy was effective against seven primary lesions and one metastatic lesion with an evident tendency to remission, but was completely ineffective against recurrent carcinomas. Myelosuppression seemed to be a more important toxic effect than the bleomycin-induced pneumonitis. The mechanism of action of the therapy and indications in clinical application are discussed.