[An elderly case of squamous cell lung cancer showing partial response by daily administration of oral etoposide].

We report an elderly case of squamous cell lung cancer showing partial response by daily administration of oral etoposide. The 86-year-old man had been diagnosed as squamous cell lung cancer (Stage II, T2N1M0) in September 1992. He had received no active treatment, because he was too old and had pulmonary emphysema. Dyspnea became gradually worse due to complete atelectasis of right lung in December 1994. After treatment with oral etoposide (50 mg/day) for 10 days, atelectasis was reduced and a partial response was obtained. No severe side effect except leukopenia was noted.