Long-term results in combined-modality treatment of small cell carcinoma of the lung.
Fifty eight patients with small cell carcinoma of the lung were treated with a combined-modality regimen: chemotherapy with adriamycin, cyclophosphamide, and vincristine; BCG immunotherapy; radiotherapy to the lung primary and prophylactic cranial irradiation. Ninteen patients had limited disease, and 39 had extensive disease. There were 27 (48%) partial remissions and 23 (41%) complete remissions, and median survival was 51 wk. Initial performance status and extent of disease had a definite effect on survival. Only 1 patient developed CNS metastases on prophylactic cranial irradiation. Five of 19 patients (26%) with limited disease remain alive and in complete remission at 26-45+ mo. It is becoming clear from this and other recent studies that we can significantly prolong median survival in small cell lung cancer. However, even more important is the fact that limited-extent small cell lung cancer may be a potentially curable disease.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000855:Anorexia / Q000209:etiology; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001500:BCG Vaccine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001853:Bone Marrow / Q000187:drug effects; D018288:Carcinoma, Small Cell / Q000628:therapy*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000209:etiology; D012008:Recurrence; D012075:Remission, Spontaneous; D012894:Sleep Stages / Q000528:radiation effects; D013997:Time Factors
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D001500:BCG Vaccine