Four-day continuous infusion of cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil in head and neck cancer

A combination of cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil, both administered 4 days continuously as infusion, was assessed in advanced head and neck cancer. Of the 37 patients studied, there were 15 complete and 17 partial responses (40.5% and 45.9%, respectively). Survival is 79.1% at 22 months. None of the patients in complete response has relapsed. In general toxic effects were moderate. Given as initial treatment, the regimen is effective and of considerable use in this type of patient.