Phase II study of iproplatin (CHIP, JM-9) in advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

A phase II study of iproplatin was conducted in advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck both in patients previously treated with chemotherapy or not. Iproplatin was given intravenously every 4 weeks at the dose of 240-300 mg/m2 without hydratation. A total of 101 4-week courses was given to 50 eligible patients. No antitumor activity was detected. Drug-induced toxicity consisted in moderate myelosuppression, frequent but mild nausea and vomiting, and occasionally diarrhea and stomatitis. This study demonstrates that iproplatin given in this dose and schedule is devoid of activity in advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.