[Preoperative chemotherapy of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck with V-T-M schedule (author's transl)].

13 patients with far advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck were treated with a low dose combination chemotherapy of Vincristine, Bleomycin and Methrotrexate during 7--8 weeks prior to surgery or radio-therapy. V-B-M was given as an out- patient regimen. 9 patients were treated the first time ever, 4 patients suffered of tumor-recurrence. 5 patients i.e. 38% achieved complete remission of all measurable disease, a total of 9 patients i.e. 69% achieved a partial remission of more than 50%. Prior treatment or localisation of tumor did not influence the results. Competent application warranted, toxicity was mild. The significance of pre-operatively achieved complete remission is discussed. Short-term follow up does not yet permit any statement upon survival.