CONCURRENT CISPLATIN-VINDESINE AND HYPERFRACTIONATED THORACIC RADIOTHERAPY IN LOCALLY ADVANCED NONSMALL CELL LUNG-CANCER

Purpose: Local failure is a major problem in locally advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer. The main objective of this Phase II trial was to te st the feasibility of a combined concurrent radiotherapy and chemother apy approach in an attempt to improve local control. Methods and Mater ials: From December 1989 to December 1992, 34 patients were included. The treatment schedule consisted of hyperfractionated radiotherapy (60 Gy in 48 fractions and 6 weeks with two daily sessions of 1.25 Gy), c isplatin (6 mg/m(2) every day of radiotherapy), and vindesine (2.5 mg/ m(2) once weekly). After a 3-week rest period, two full cycles of cisp latin (120 mg/m(2) on weeks 10 and 14) and vindesine (2.5 mg/m(2) on w eeks 11, 12, and 13) were given. Treatment evaluation with thoracic co mputed scan, bronchoscopy, and bronchial biopsies was performed 3 mont hs after completion of radiation therapy. Failure rates were estimated using a competing risk approach. Results: The complete response rate was 50%. Local failure rates at 1 and 3 years were 53 and 56%, respect ively. Distant metastases rates at 1 and 3 years were 26.5 and 29%. Ov erall survival rates at 1, 2, and 3 years were respectively 53, 33, an d 12%. Severe esophagitis was observed in three patients (9%). Lethal toxicity was observed in two patients. Conclusion: This Phase II trial confirms the feasibility of this type of approach with specific dose reduction and suggests that it may improve local control compared to c onventional approaches.