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 etoposide, we randomized patients with non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to receive either the above combination (cisplatin 100mg/m2 day 1, etoposide 130mg/m 2 days 1-3) or the combination of cis-platin-mitomycin-c and vinca drugs (MVP) (cisplatin 100mg/m 2 , vinblastine 6mg/m 2 , mito-mycin 10mg/m 2 day 1), a regimen with a steady response rate. Partial responses were achieved in 12/44 (27%) of the cisplatin-etoposide group and in 11/43 (26%) of the MVR group. No difference in median survival could be demonstrated between the two groups (36 weeks versus 38 weeks). Myelotoxicity and alopecia were more severe in the cisplatin-etoposide group. Compared to international experience both regimens exhibited a relatively low response rate. It seems that for NSCLC new agents are required.