Concurrent Combination Chemotherapy of Human Solid Tumors: Experience with a Three-Drug Regimen and Review of the Literature

Our own experience together with that reported in the literature with the use of nonhormonal concurrent combination chemotherapy of human solid tumors is reviewed. Sixty-eight patients, with tumors known to be relatively drug resistant received a combination of antitumor agents including mitomycin C, melphalan, and vincristine. Fourteen objective responses were seen in fifty-three adequately treated patients. Median duration of response was 9 weeks, with two responses exceeding six months. Toxicity was generally moderate, with the most severe manifestation as bone marrow suppression. Six of eighteen adequately treated patients with sarcoma and two of four patients with parotid cell carcinoma exhibited responses. A variety of approaches which may enhance the effectiveness of combination chemotherapy in solid tumors are discussed.