A phase II study of combined chemoradiotherapy for limited disease-small-cell lung cancer

A study to evaluate the efficacy of cisplatin, doxorubicin, and etoposide c hemotherapy with combined radiotherapy was undertaken in 26 patients with l imited disease-small-cell lung cancer. Patients were treated with cisplatin (80 mg/m(2)) intravenously (i.v.) on day 1,doxorubicin (30 mg/m(2)) i.v. o n day 1, and etoposide (80 mg/m2) i.v. on days 1, 3, and 5, every 4 weeks f or four cycles. Thoracic irradiation of 40 Gy in 20 fractions was delivered during 4 weeks to the primary site starting on day 8 of the second cycle o f chemotherapy. The objective response rate was 100%. A complete response w as observed in 10 patients (38%). The median survival time was 23 months, a nd the 3-year survival rate was 42%. Seven patients (27%) continued to surv ive at least 8 years and remain free from disease. Grade III/IV leukopenia was observed in 25 patients (96%). Grade III/IV thrombocytopenia developed in 19 patients (73%). Grade III/IV esophagitis was not seen. Inter stitial pneumonitis occurred in two patients. This regimen is effective and has acc eptable toxicity for use in the treatment of limited disease-small-cell lun g cancer.