CHEMOTHERAPY OF NON-SMALL-CELL LUNG-CANCER - A PROSPECTIVELY RANDOMIZED STUDY OF CISPLATIN-ETOPOSIDE VERSUS CISPLATIN-MITOMYCIN-VINBLASTINE

Based on preclinical studies showing synergism between cisplatin and e toposide, we randomized patients with non small cell lung cancer (NSCL C) to receive either the above combination (cisplatin 100mg/m(2) day 1 , etoposide 130mg/m(2) days 1-3) or the combination of cisplatin-mitom ycin-e and vinca drugs (MVP) (cisplatin 100mg/m(2), vinblastine 6mg/m( 2), mitomycin 10mg/m(2) day 1), a regimen with a steady response rate. Partial responses were achieved in 12/44 (27%) of the cisplatin-etopo side group and in 11/43 (26%) of the MVR group. No difference in media n survival could be demonstrated between the two groups (36 weeks vers us 38 weeks). Myelotoxicity and alopecia were more severe in the cispl atin-etoposide group. Compared to international experience both regime ns exhibited a relatively low response rate. It seems that for NSCLC n ew agents are required.