Superior vena cava syndrome due to non--small-cell lung cancer. Resolution with chemotherapy alone.

Three patients with superior vena cava syndrome due to non--small-cell lung cancer were treated with chemotherapy alone. Symptomatic relief began within three days of treatment and substantial resolution of the syndrome occurred in all three patients. One patient had complete remission of tumor and the other two had more than a 50% tumor reduction within the first month of therapy. These are the first case reports indicating that combination chemotherapy may be effective as initial management of the superior vena cava syndrome due to non--small-cell lung cancer.