Carboplatin, an active drug in advanced head and neck cancer

Because of the clinical activity of carboplatin in several types of tumors, this drug was studied in a phase II trial of 25 patients with advanced head and neck cancer [stage IV (M0)] without prior treatment. Six patients (24%) achieved objective response, including two patients with complete response. Carboplatin toxicity was mild in most patients, with nausea, vomiting, and myelosuppression being the most frequent side effects. No renal or neurologic toxicity was observed. Further trials of carboplatin in advanced head and neck cancer are warranted.