2ND LINE CHEMOTHERAPY IN NON RESPONSIVE P ATIENTS WITH NON-SMALL-CELLLUNG-CANCER

Effectiveness of chemotherapy has been demonstrated in stage IV non sm all cell lung cancer as well as in stage IIIb disease when combined wi th radiotherapy. A significant improvement of both survival and qualit y of life was shown and is thought to be associated with higher effici ency. Therefore, treatment of relapses is now a question of practical interest. Ninety-seven non small cell lung cancer patients who were de livered a second line chemotherapy following primary chemotherapy alon e were reviewed. Sixty-Sive patients were administered a 2 drug cispla tin-based regimen (with etoposide, bleomycin or vinorelbine). Twenty e ight patients received no cisplatin but the cyclophosphamide, epirubic in combination or any 2-drug regimen assembled from the following agen ts: etoposide, mitomycin, ifosfamide. The last 4 patients were given s ingle-agent vinorelbine. Fifteen objective responses (15.2%) (95% CI: 9-24%) were observed. The median response duration was 27 weeks. Respo nse rates were 18.4% (95% CI 9-28%) and 9.3% (95% CI:0-19%) in cisplat in-based combinations and in other regimens, respectively. No differen ce in response rates was observed between primary responsive and non r esponsive patients but response rates were influenced by the choice of the first line combination chemotherapy.