Experience with changed radiosensitivity in the therapy of developed carcinomas in the oropharyngeal region following the application of oncostatics

The effect was studied of radiotherapy alone, of radiotherapy in combination with oncostatics such as Methotrexate and Bleomycin, and of Methotrexate or Bleomycin alone in the treatment of carcinomas of the head and neck. It was found that the application of the oncostatics and subsequent radiotherapy yielded best therapeutical results as chemotherapy sensibilized the tumour for subsequent irradiation and resulted in more efficacious and faster regression. In view of side effects consisting in sensibilizing the mucuous membranes of the oral cavity, the best results were found for i.v. administered Methotrexate followed by gamma therapy. (L.O.)