[Histological appearances of cancer of the head and neck treated with pepleomycin (NK 631) (author's transl)].

Clinical findings and histopathological appearances in the patients with cancer of the head and neck treated with a new anti-tumor agent, pepleomycin, are reported. The total dosage of the new drug was within 100 mg on the average; however, the responses to chemotherapy were considerably favorable in general. Pepleomycin was markedly effective in two patients, moderately effective in seven, and ineffective in one. Microscopic evidences of regression of cancer cells were demonstrated in six surgical materials. Pepleomycin was shown to have an even more selective action on squamous cell carcinoma than bleomycin. The reactions of the surrounding tissue and skin to combination therapy, including pepleomycin, remained comparable to those to bleomycin. Side effects of the drug were slight fever and transient anorexia. No fibrosis of the lung was seen during eight months of observation.