[Pilot phase II study of hybrid chemotherapy of CAV-PVP in small cell lung cancer (SCLC)].

A pilot phase II study of a hybrid chemotherapy for SCLC has been conducted between October 1986 and March 1988. Dose and schedule of the regimen were as follows: CTX, 700 mg/m2, on day 1; ADM 30 mg/m2, on day 1; VCR, 1.4 mg/m2, on day 1 (CAV); and CDDP, 60 mg/m2, on day 8; VP-16, 100 mg/m2, on days 8 and 9 (PVP). Courses were repeated q. 4 weeks up to 6 cycles. Patients with LD received chest irradiation at a dose of 50 Gy when maximal response was achieved. Thirty-six patients were fully evaluated for tumor response and toxicity. All 18 patients with LD responded to the regimen including 11 CRs (61%); there were 7 CRs (39%) and 9 PRs (50%) in patients with ED. Fourteen of the 18 patients with LD have survived for 7 to 22 months, against 12.8 months in ED patients. The major toxicity was myelosuppression, but it was well tolerated. These results indicate that hybrid chemotherapy is highly effective for SCLC, and warrants further clinical trials.