[Continuous infusion high-dose leucovorin with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil for a recurrent oropharynx carcinoma].

Cisplatin and leucovorin heighten the activity of 5-fluorouracil by increasing the intracellular concentration of reduced folates. Therefore, we treated the recurrent oropharynx carcinoma case, who had received concurrent chemotherapy with low-dose cisplatin and radiotherapy, with continuous infusion high-dose leucovorin with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil. Chemotherapy included continuous intravenous infusion of cisplatin (25 mg/m2, days 1 through 5); 5-fluorouracil (600 mg/m2, days 2 through 6); and leucovorin (200 mg/m2, days 1 through 6) administered once about every 4 weeks. Three cycles were performed, and a complete response was achieved. Grade 3 to 4 mucositis, nausea-vomiting, anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia occurred. Continuous infusion high-dose leucovorin with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil was effective for this recurrent head and neck carcinoma. However, one must be cautious when comparing this chemotherapy in terms of toxicity.