COMPLICATIONS OF CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE THERAPY

Cyclophosphamide is a powerful immunosuppressive agent that is commonl y used clinically to treat neoplastic and inflammatory diseases affect ing various sites, including the head and neck. The pharmacology of cy clophosphamide is reviewed with an emphasis on its toxicities and stra tegies for minimizing therapeutic adverse effects. Principles of thera py are discussed and illustrated by the use of cyclophosphamide in the treatment of Wegener's granulomatosis, a form of systemic vasculitis with prominent head and neck manifestations.