Results in Fifty Cases of Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck Treated by Intravenous Chemotherapy

The results of intravenous chemotherapy for advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck in 50 patients are presented. Forty patients were treated with methotrexate alone—3 patients showed partial regression of disease and a further 7 were controlled for periods of up to 4 months. Of those patients who failed to respond, or who relapsed on methotrexate, 16 were treated with combination chemotherapy. One patient showed complete regression of disease, 2 partial regression and in 2 others control was achieved for up to 4 months. A further 10 patients were treated with combination chemotherapy only, with no previous methotrexate. In this group no objective regressions were noted and only one patient was controlled for a period of 14 months. It is suggested that intravenous chemotherapy in advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck is of doubtful value.