Combined Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy for Malignant Lymphomas of the Head and Neck

Abstract

Sixty-three of the patients treated for malignant lymphoma, and diagnosed as being cases of reticulum cell sarcoma were divided into 2 groups to assess the effects of chemotherapy. Group 1 was given VER (vincristine, cyclophosphamide (Endoxan) and betamethasone (Rinderon) and radiation, while Group 2 single agent and radiation. The 5-year survival rates showed a significant differences of 69% vs. 44%, respectively. In terms of side-effects, the so-used combined therapy had few serious side-effects compared with other types of combined chemotherapy. We hold the view that chemotherapy should be administered in combination with radiation, even during stages I and II.