Induction chemotherapy followed by parenchyma-sparing surgery in medically inoperable NSCLC-results of a feasibility study.

Purpose: Feasibility trial to test the toxicity and outcome of three cycles of induction chemotherapy followed by limited surgery in medically inoperable early stage NSCLC patients.

Patients And Methods: Thirteen patients with NSCLC (stages I-IIIB) with insufficient cardio-respiratory reserves for the oncologically required lung resection, received three cycles of induction chemotherapy with cisplatin (100mg/m(2)) and docetaxel (85mg/m(2)) followed by parenchyma-sparing lung surgery. Operability was evaluated with pulmonary function tests, perfusion scintigraphy and cardiopulmonary exercise testing.