Chemotherapy of non small cell lung cancer. A prospectively randomized study of cisplatin-etoposide versus cisplatin-mitomycin-vinblastine.

Based on preclinical studies showing synergism between cisplatin and etoposide, we randomized patients with non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to receive either the above combination (cisplatin 100 mg/m2 day 1, etoposide 130 mg/m2 days 1-3) or the combination of cisplatin-mitomycin-c and vinca drugs (MVP) (cisplatin 100 mg/m2, vinblastine 6 mg/m2, mitomycin 10 mg/m2 day 1), a regimen with a steady response rate. Partial responses were achieved in 12/44 (27%) of the cisplatin-etoposide group and in 11/43 (26%) of the MVR group. No difference in median survival could be demonstrated between the two groups (36 weeks versus 38 weeks). Myelotoxicity and alopecia were more severe in the cisplatin-etoposide group. Compared to international experience both regimens exhibited a relatively low response rate. It seems that for NSCLC new agents are required.