[The effect of induction chemotherapy with CBDCA, 5-FU and UFT in head and neck cancer].

Induction chemotherapy of low-dose CBDCA, 120-hour continuous infusion 5-FU and UFT was applied to 22 patients with untreated head and neck cancer. CBDCA 75 mg/m2 was given on day 1 and, subsequently, 5-FU 1,500 mg/m2/day for 120-hour continuous infusion was started. UFT was administered every day orally at 400-600 mg/day as biochemical modulation. If tumors were reduced and side effects were mild, these schedules were repeated after two weeks. Three patients (14%) achieved a CR and 11 (50%) a PR, for an overall response rate of 64%. Anorexia, nausea, vomiting and stomatitis were the predominant toxicities. They were mild and well tolerable, although severe diarrhea was observed in one case. Good general conditions of patients were kept because of low grade of toxicities. They were important factors for the tolerance of subsequent radiotherapy and surgery. Based on these results, we conclude that the combination of low-dose CBDCA, 5-FU and UFT as biochemical modulation is effective in head and neck cancer.