[Induction chemotherapy in cancers of the respiratory and digestive tracts by continuous infusions combining cisplatinum (C), fluorouracil (F), bleomycin (B) or C and F].

A series of 344 patients with squamous cell carcinoma (oropharynx, larynx, hypopharynx, or buccal cavity) were treated between November 1982 and January 1985 by chemotherapy. This involved either cisplatinum (C) on day 1 followed by continuous infusion of 5-fluorouracil (F) and bleomycin (B) from day 1 to day 4 or C combined with F as continuous infusion from day 1 to day 4. Tumoral response was 61% and nodal response 61%. Among the 234 patients operated upon, 31 (13%) were free from tumoral cells in the specimen and 25 (48%) with residual tumor. Toxicity of cancer chemotherapy was markedly minimized with the second regimen involving continuous administration of Cisplatin over 24 hours for a period of 4 days. Tolerance was improved mainly in the digestive and renal spheres: cardiovascular complications related to essential hyperhydration during administration of single-dose Cisplatin on day 1 were non-existent with this new continuous mode of administration. This new procedure should optimize results and improve the comfort of patients.