Cis-platinum and vindesine in combination in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer

Abstract Sixty-three patients with advanced non-small cell carcinoma of the bronchus were treated with a combination of cis -platinum and vindesine. All patients had measurable disease and were of good performance status; none had received prior chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Thirty-three per cent of patients responded, with five patients achieving complete remission. Median duration of response was 4 months , with a median survival of 14 months in the responsers, compared with 6.5 months in the whole group and 4.8 months in the non-responders. Severe toxicity was encountered, with alopecia, gastrointestinal toxicity and neurotoxicity common. Myelosuppression and renal toxicity were not dose-limiting. Thus the activity of this drug combination is confirmed, but severe toxicity precludes its widespread use in clinical practice.