[Comparative study of preoperative chemotherapy and radiotherapy in squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity].

The results of the preoperative Co 60 irradiation and BVMM (bleomycin, vincristine, mitolactol, methotrexate) chemotherapy were compared. Both treatments were used in 50-50 advanced squamous cell cancer of the oral cavity. The general condition, size of lesion and age of the patients were similar. Surgery in the irradiated group was significantly more radical at the primary sites. Local recurrences during a three-year follow-up period were diagnosed in 36% from the radiotherapy group, whilst 8% such recurrences diagnosed in the chemotherapy group. There was no significant difference in the radicality of lymph node surgery. Lymph node recurrences occurred in 8% from the irradiated group, whilst 22% was diagnosed in the chemotherapy group. The main opinion is that BVMM chemotherapy and irradiation can be used to support one another in the interest of better result, like preoperative chemo- and postoperative radiotherapy.