Mitomycin, ifosfamide and cisplatin in advanced non-small cell lung cancer

Background: Chemotherapy can be used to palliate the symptoms in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Patients: Twenty-four chemo-naive patients with stage IIIB and IV non-small cell lung cancer were treated with the MIC regimen (mitomycin, ifosfamide and cisplatin). Results: The overall response rate was 33% (partial response) and median duration of response was 7 months (range 5 to 10 months). At median follow-up of 26 months, the median survival was 8 months, and 1-year survival was 29%. Toxicities were tolerable. Conclusion: This appears to be a reasonable regimen for palliating advanced non-small cell lung cancer.