Intraarterial association of cis-platinum and bleomycin in head and neck cancer

In order to establish the response and tolerance to the intraarterial association of cis-platinum and bleomycin, we have treated 38 patients with advanced head and neck cancer with the following dosages: continuous infusion of bleomycin, 20 mg/m2/day on days 1 and 2, and cis-platinum, 100 mg/m2 in a 3-hr infusion on day 3. Each treatment cycle was repeated every 21 days, the duration being conditioned to tolerance and response. All the patients underwent at least one complete series of treatment. The results were as follows: 11 patients (29%) had complete remission, and 22 (58%) had partial remission. No instances were ascertained of local toxicity (stomatitis, dermatitis). Except for 2 patients with reversible facial paralysis and 6 with anemia, no other signs of general toxicity were ascertained. In conclusion, the intraarterial combination of cis-platinum/bleomycin has proved highly effective (87% response) whereas the low index of local and general toxicity renders the drugs suitable for use before surgery and/or radiotherapy.