Induction therapy in head and neck cancer. A comparison of two regimens

Seventy‐two patients with advanced resectable head and cancer received two courses of induction chemotherapy before definitive therapy. Forty‐six patients were treated with platinol, Oncovin (vincristine), and bleomycin. Twenty‐six received Platinol (cisplatin), Velban (vinblastine), and 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU). Although both regimens had an overall response rate of 80% or more, the bleomycin‐containing regimen had a higher complete response rate and better long‐term disease control, with >60% probability of remaining disease‐free (36 month minimum follow‐up). As given in this regimen, the 5‐FU regimen was well tolerated but had a higher incidence of stomatitis and a low rate of complete responses. When the two regimens were compared to a historical control, the regimen with Platinol, Oncovin, and bleomycin was significantly better.