Regional chemotherapy with combined drugs in cancer of the head and neck

Abstract

Fifteen patients were treated with intra-arterial fluorouracil, methotrexate, and bleomycin in combination for palliation of advanced cancer of the head and neck. In all cases irradiation or irradiation plus surgical resection had previously failed to control the tumor. Tumor regression occured in 87% of the cases (13/15), and was complete in three (20%). Regressions lasted for up to 13 months. In four instances tumor regression permitted radical resection. The response rate achieved with this drug combination was greater than that observed earlier using each drug individually. Intra-arterial chemotherapy provides useful palliation for advanced head and neck cancer and the results can be improved with drug combinations.