[Indications for cytostatic therapy of recurrent cancer]

28 patients with recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the Head and Neck underwent consecutive chemotherapy. Two different regimens were used: cis-platinum plus bleomycin and methotrexate plus vindesine. The former seemed to produce a better response to the latter, but neither differed in its influence on survival. Those patients in whom further radiation therapy or surgery was possible had the longest survival times. Two out of 28 patients who had surgery are still alive 36 months later. The indications for consecutive chemotherapy for recurrent squamous cell carcinoma ought to take into account the age and general condition of the patient, the extent of the recurrence and the possibility of further therapeutic measures.