No response or survival improvement in small cell lung cancer after sequential chemotherapy with three non-cross resistant drug regimens - a pilot study

Abstract

In a pilot phase II study we have treated 25 patients with small cell lung cancer by utilizing 3 non-cross resistant drug regimens given in a sequential fashion in combination with radiotherapy to the primary tumor. VAC regimen (etoposide, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide) was planned to induce major cytotoxity, CVM (cisplatin, vincristin, high-dose methotrexate) to intensify cell killing and MCP (mitomycin-C, CCNU, procarbazine) to maintain response. Overall response rate was 88% with 24% complete and 64% partial responders. Duration of response was 8.3+ months. Median survival was 12 months, 17 for complete and 10.5 months for partial responders. Sixty-one per cent survived for more than one year, while one patient is alive with no evidence of disease 30 months after diagnosis. In conclusion, sequential chemotherapy with non-cross resistant cytostatic agents in small cell lung cancer did not offer superior results compared to any other form of treatment. © 1991.