Chemotherapy for recurrent adeno- and adenoidcystic carcinomas in the head and neck.

We have investigated the effectiveness of chemotherapy for patients with recurrent adeno- and adenoidcystic carcinomas in the head and neck. Fourteen cases received a monthly combination chemotherapy regimen of cyclophosphamide, pirarubicin and cisplatin (CAP therapy). A response rate of 36% (5/14) was achieved. There was one complete response and four partial responses. The median duration of response was 37 months in the complete response case and 16 months (range, 6 to 20) in the partial response cases. The toxicity of this chemotherapy was acceptable. The result demonstrates that CAP therapy is an effective regimen for adeno- and adenoidcystic carcinomas. It may also be available as induction or adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with advanced tumors of these cancers.