PHASE-II TRIAL OF CISPLATIN AND TEGAFUR (FTORAFUR) AS INITIAL THERAPY IN SQUAMOUS-CELL CARCINOMA OF THE HEAD AND NECK

Cisplatin and 5-flourouracil infusion combination produces a high response rate in squamous-cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Tegafur (Ftorafur) is an analog of 5-flourouracil, and its oral form is well absorbed. This agent has a moderate toxicity. We report a study to determine the efficacy of the cisplatin (100 mg/m2, day 1) and tegafur (1,000 mg/m2 daily for 21 days) combination. Thirty-nine patients entered the study: 36 were evaluable for response. Overall response was 94%, with a 22% complete response. Toxicity was moderate. We conclude that the cisplatin and tegafur combination is active in untreated patients with head and neck cancer.