[Induction chemotherapy and radiotherapy in locally advanced head and neck carcinoma]

The value of inductive chemotherapy preceding the radical irradiation of locally advanced neoplasms of head and neck has been estimated. The following have been applied: cisplatin, adriamycin, bleomycin, or cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, 5-fluorouracil, or cisplatin 5-fluorouracil. A reaction to treatment in the form of CR and PR has been achieved in 71.5% of the treated patients. Irradiation was started in two to four weeks after chemotherapy had been stopped. After combined treatment the proportion of 69.5% CR and PR was achieved. The average length of time of CR and PR was 8.7 months. Treatment was well tolerated.