Combination cyclophosphamide and etoposide in treatment of small cell lung cancer.
Thirty-one patients with histologically proven small cell lung cancer were treated with cyclophosphamide 1 g m-2 and etoposide (VP16-213) 125 mg m-2 both intravenously on day 1 followed by etoposide 250 mg m-2 orally on days 2-3 for a maximum of six courses at 3 weekly intervals. Fourteen patients had limited and 17 patients had extensive disease. Twenty-five patients were evaluable for response. Objective response was observed in 18 patients (58%) with 6 (19%) complete and 12 (39%) partial responses. Median survival of the entire group of patients was 30 weeks. There was significant survival benefit among the responders (P less than 0.005) when compared with non-responders. One patient (3.3%) developed grade 4 while 60% of patients developed grade 1-2 haematological toxicity. Other side effects were relatively mild. We conclude that combination cyclophosphamide and etoposide was active in small cell lung cancer and relatively well tolerated.
Leung
W T
WT
Department of Clinical Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Shiu
W C
WC
Pang
J C
JC
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018288:Carcinoma, Small Cell / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005047:Etoposide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015996:Survival Rate
D005047:Etoposide; D003520:Cyclophosphamide