Bleomycin in advanced squamous cell carcinoma: a random controlled trial. Report of Medical Research Council Working Party on Bleomycin

Abstract

Bleomycin was compared with conventional cytotoxic drugs in the treatment of 70 patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma; the primary deposit was in the head and neck in 50 patients and in the perineum or skin in 20. Thirty-four patients received bleomycin while 36 received other cytotoxic drugs. No significant difference was detected between the two groups either in the proportion showing tumour regression or in the survival rates. If bleomycin is to advance the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma it can be only in combination with other drugs or with radiotherapy.