Effects of Bleomycin for Epidermoid Carcinoma of Head and Neck

Bleomycin, a new antitumor agent was applied in the therapy of 100 cases of head and neck cancer. Out of the 75 cases given BLM therapy only, tumor disappeared in 10 cases and in 5 cases there was no recurrence for more than 6 months. The frequency of tumor regression was 67.5% for previously untreated cases and 42.0% for previously otherwise treated cases. Local injection of BLM were given to 5 cases of small recurrent foci which appeared after radiotherapy, of which 3 cases did not show recurrence for more than one year. Tumor regression seemed to be enhanced by simultaneous irradiation. Histological findings were often comparable to those induced by curative irradiation. They indicated a marked destruction of the tumor and occasional local cure. Eight cases of interstitial pneumonia, of which 3 were of severe degree, were observed as side effect.