A phase II study of mitomycin C, vindesine and cisplatin combined with alpha interferon in advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
OBJECTIVE
MVP chemotherapy (mitomycin C, vindesine or vinblastine, cisplatin) is one of the most commonly used regimens for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSLCLC). Experimental data suggest a synergistic cytotoxic activity of alpha-interferon (alpha-IFN) when combined with cisplatin, mitomycin C and vinca alkaloids. In an effort to improve MVP chemotherapy activity, we have combined this regimen with alpha-IFN.


METHODS
Thirty-five patients with advanced NSCLC (19 stage IV) were treated with the MVP regimen (mitomycin C, 8 mg/m2; vindesine, 3 mg/m2, cisplatin, 75 mg/m2, all on day 1) plus alpha-2a-IFN, 3x10(6) U from day 1 to 7. The cycles were repeated every 28 days.


RESULTS
There were no complete responses and 18 partial responses, for an overall response rate of 51%. Median time to treatment failure was 6 months (range, 1-18), and the median survival was 9.5 months (range, 1-32). WHO grade 3 toxicity was recorded in up to 8% of patients, flu-like syndrome was a common complaint; one toxic death occurred.


CONCLUSIONS
The combination yielded a level of response comparable to that of other cisplatin-based regimens. Larger randomized trials are needed to assess the role of alpha-IFN combined with chemotherapy in advanced NSCLC.
Silva
R R
RR
Oncology Unit, Ospedale ¿Profili¿, Fabriano (An), Italy.
Bascioni
R
R
Rossini
S
S
Zuccatosta
L
L
Mattioli
R
R
Pilone
A
A
Delprete
S
S
Battelli
N
N
Gasparini
S
S
Battelli
T
T
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002945:Cisplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016685:Mitomycin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014751:Vindesine / Q000008:administration & dosage
D016898:Interferon-alpha; D016685:Mitomycin; D002945:Cisplatin; D014751:Vindesine