[The carcinoma of the ear - indication for antineoplastic chemotherapy (author's transl)]

The therapeutic results of squamous cell carcinoma of the external auditory meatus and the middle ear by operation and radiation are subject to an unfavourable prognosis: the 5 years' survival time represents 25% of the external auditory meatus and 15% of the middle-ear carcinoma cases. In comparison to the improved median survival time of carcinoma of the oral cavity and oropharynx by means of a combination of primary antineoplastic chemotherapy (Heidelberg Scheme), surgery and radiation, an improved median survival time should be expected even in keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma of the external auditory meatus and the middle ear. The stages of remission of a carcinoma of the external auditory meatus and the middle-ear carcinoma are demonstrated at different times of the antineoplastic treatment (Heidelberg Scheme). The field of indication is outlined. Primary antineoplastic chemotherapy extends the possibilities of intended curative therapy. As a palliative therapy it is an alternative to petrosectomy which has a high mortality in very advanced carcinoma of the middle ear.