Combination chemotherapy including high dose methotrexate and radiotherapy, in the treatment of small cell carcinoma of the lung.

Twenty-nine (88%) of thirty-three patients who were treated with multiple drug chemotherapy, including high dose methotrexate, and radiotherapy for small cell carcinoma of the lung showed significant improvement in their clinical condition and quality of life. Treatment was well tolerated and toxicity acceptable. Cerebral metastases were not detected in any patient on presentation and only developed in three patients (9%). Little information exists regarding the use of high dose methotrexate in small cell carcinoma of the lung. There is no evidence, on the data available, that high dose methotrexate is any more effective than conventional doses.