Ambulatory low-toxicity chemotherapy in non-small-cell lung carcinoma by continuous 28-day infusion of alternating cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil.
BACKGROUND
One regimen consisting of a continuous infusion of cisplatin and fluorouracil was designed to be minimally toxic, and suitable for application with radiotherapy in non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC).


METHODS
Forty-four NSCLC patients received daily 8 mg/m2 of cisplatin on days 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, and 300 mg/m2 of fluorouracil on days 3-7, 10-14, 17-21, 24-28 (35-day courses).


RESULTS
Two patients experienced grade 3-4 toxicities. Eleven achieved objective responses. The median progression-free and observed survival was 22 and 39.5 weeks.


CONCLUSIONS
The schedule management was fully ambulatory. Toxicity was negligible. The activity was moderate, but the combination with radiotherapy is advisable due to the radioenhancing properties of both of the drugs.
Bedini
A V
AV
National Cancer Institute, Milan, Italy.
Tavecchio
L
L
Lequaglie
C
C
Ravasi
G
G
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D002945:Cisplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015996:Survival Rate
D002945:Cisplatin; D005472:Fluorouracil