title: CCNU, vincristine, methotrexate, and procarbazine treatment of relapsed small cell lung carcinoma.
abstract: Thirty-two patients with refractory relapsed small cell carcinoma of the lung (SCCL) were treated with a combination of CCNU (lomustine), vincristine, methotrexate, and procarbazine (COMP); 29 were evaluable for response. Nine patients (31%) had responses: five complete responses (CR) and four partial responses. Patients with CR had a median survival of 11 months (range, 51/2-141/2) from the start of COMP. Patients with less than CR had a median survival of approximately 3 months (range, less than 1-7). The comparison of CR versus less than CR is significant (P = 0.003). Patients achieving CR usually had limited disease and four of the five who achieved CR survived greater than 6 months. The regimen was well-tolerated, but myelosuppression was seen in all patients. COMP appears to be a useful combination in patients with relapsed SCCL. Aggressive retreatment should be considered in relapsed patients with this disease since some may achieve a second CR, with the associated potential survival benefit.
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018288:Carcinoma, Small Cell / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008130:Lomustine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D009607:Nitrosourea Compounds / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011344:Procarbazine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014750:Vincristine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D009607:Nitrosourea Compounds; D011344:Procarbazine; D014750:Vincristine; D008130:Lomustine; D008727:Methotrexate