Chemotherapy of squamous cell cancer of the head and neck.

Forty patients with advanced squamous cell cancer of the head and neck were treated with methotrexate, cisplatin, and bleomycin. Major regression of disease occurred in 69%; 30% of patients achieved complete remission. Fifteen patients received chemotherapy as the initial treatment, followed by either radiotherapy or surgery or both. Subsequent therapy was not prejudiced by this approach. The results demonstrate the marked sensitivity of these tumors to these three agents, and the need for further assessment of their use in optimal patient care.