Cis-Platinum Chemotherapy in Head and Neck Cancers

Sixteen patients with advanced head and neck carcinomas were treated with cis-diamminedichloro platinum chemotherapy; seven preoperatively and nine for recurrent disease. Cis-platinum was given by 24-hour infusions of 80 mg/m² every three weeks. There was 50% regression in 38% (6) of the patients; another 38% (6) had 25% to 50% regression. Toxicity was minimal, with vomiting occurring in 75% (12) of the courses, renal toxicity in 6% (2), leukopenia in 13% (4), thrombocytopenia in 9% (3), and anemia in 31% (10). Of the seven patients who had serial audiograms, only one experienced ototoxicity. Cis-platinum, given by 24-hour infusion, was effective in reducing tumor bulk in 75% (12) of the patients with advanced head and neck carcinomas, without undue morbidity.