[Experiences using combination chemotherapy with cis-platinum, bleomycin and methotrexate in the management of advanced squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (author's transl)].

21 patients with unresectable or previously treated squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck were treated with combination chemotherapy using cis-platinum, bleomycin and methotrexate. On day one of treatment, patients were given bleomycin (15 mg/M2) and methotrexate (20 mg/M2). On day two, a high dose of cis-platinum (120 mg/M2) was given. Up to five courses of therapy were given, with at least three weeks used as intervals between treatment. This therapy was tolerated by all patients, inclusive of the elderly and debilitated. Toxicity associated with this regimen was found to be more acceptable, and the tumor response considerably better than with the use of bleomycin-methotrexate alone. The temporary tumor response rate was found to be 85%, with patient survival varying to 16 months. Our experiences with cis-platinum confirm those results previously reported from tumor clinics in the United States during the past several years.