77 Randomised comparison of alternating or sequential schedules of chemoradiotherapy in limited small cell lung cancer (SCLC) trial of the EORTC LCCG (08877)

Combined modality therapy is becoming standard treatment for “good prognosis” patients with SCLC but the optimal schedule and timing of thoracic irradiation is as yet unclear. The EORTC LCCG has completed a randomised comparison of alternating (A) vs sequential (S) schedules of CDE chemotherapy and thoracic irradiation (50 Gy in 20 fractions) with identical total chemotherapy and radiation doses and overall treatment time; the schedule as the only variable. This trial will close on 31.3.1995. Three hundred and forty-nine patients have been randomised (174 in A, 175 in S), 11 were inelligible. Mean age was 60, M/F = 2/1, PS 0 (46%), 1 (47%), 2 (5%) and 3 (2%). Weight loss was P  = 0.012). Using predefined criteria 36% A and 30% S patients needed dose reductions and 29% A, 27% S treatment delays with 20% A and 9% S not completing the planned 5 courses of chemotherapy. The results of this unique trial will help to identify the role of alternating treatment schedules in good prognosis SCLC.