Superiority of cisplatin or carboplatin in combination with teniposide and vincristine in the induction chemotherapy of small-cell lung cancer. A randomized trial with 5 years follow up.
OBJECTIVE
The introduction of platinum compounds and epipodophyllotoxins in combination with vincristine as induction chemotherapy in small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) was investigated in order to: (1) compare the efficacy of cisplatin with that of carboplatin in combination with teniposide and vincristine as inducers of remission over three cycles; (2) compare the toxicity pattern of carboplatin and of cisplatin when given in combination regimens; and (3) compare a chemotherapeutic regimen consisting of three alternating combinations with that of regimens consisting of four alternating combinations.


METHODS
From November 1985 to September 1991, 484 consecutive, previously untreated patients with SCLC, performance status 0-4, entered a three armed randomized trial with three cycles of cisplatin (arm I) or carboplatin (arm II) in combination with teniposide and vincristine alternating with three treatment blocks of cyclophosphamide, etoposide, lomustine and vincristine (block A), doxorubicin and vincristine (block B) and cisplatin, hexamethylmelamine and vindesine (block C) versus alternating treatment with block A, B and C (arm III).


RESULTS
No difference in efficacy or toxicity was found between cisplatin and carboplatin at the present dosages. Induction chemotherapy with teniposide plus cisplatin or carboplatin did not result in higher complete response rates (objective response rates 63%, 72% and 65%, respectively) or in significantly greater toxicity, but overall survival was superior compared with the arm III (log-rank test, P = 0.02). The median survival difference was 7 weeks, and two year survival 15% versus 9%. The Cox regression analysis identified the arm III, poor performance status and elevated LDH as factors with statistically significant negative impact on survival.


CONCLUSIONS
Cisplatin and carboplatin produced similar response and survival rates and similar toxicity. Induction with platinum and epipodophyllotoxins did not improve objective response rates, but significantly improved survival without increasing the toxicity.
Lassen
U
U
Finsen Center, Department of Oncology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Kristjansen
P E
PE
Osterlind
K
K
Bergman
B
B
Sigsgaard
T C
TC
Hirsch
F R
FR
Hansen
M
M
Dombernowsky
P
P
Hansen
H H
HH
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016190:Carboplatin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018288:Carcinoma, Small Cell / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D002945:Cisplatin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012074:Remission Induction / Q000379:methods; D015996:Survival Rate; D013713:Teniposide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014750:Vincristine / Q000627:therapeutic use
D014750:Vincristine; D013713:Teniposide; D016190:Carboplatin; D002945:Cisplatin