Abstract

PURPOSE
We conducted a phase II study in previously untreated patients with unresectable stage IIIB or IV non-small cell lung cancer to evaluate the response rate and toxicity of the combination chemotherapy regimen of etoposide, ifosfamide and cisplatin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From September 1993 to December 1996, twenty patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (stage IIIB 5 and IV 15) (squamous cell 8, adeno- carcinoma 12), were enrolled in this study. There were 13 (65%) males and 7 (35%) females, and median age of patients were 56 years (range: 34~66). Eighteen patients had performance status (ECOG) 0~1, two patients had performance status 2. Treatment was consisted of cisplatin (20 mg/m2 i.v., day 1~4), VP-16 (etoposide) (75 mg/m2 i.v., day 1~4), ifosfamide (1000 mg/m2 i.v., day 1~4) with mesna. This treatment was repeated every four weeks.
RESULTS
The overall response rate was 25%. Complete response rate was 5% (1/20) and partial response rate was 20% (4/20). The median cycle of response was 4 (2~6) cycles. The median overall survival time was 28 weeks (9~98 weeks). The median time to progression was 10 weeks (3~50 weeks). Toxicities were evaluated by WHO criteria. Toxicity > GradeIII included: leukopenia 1.6%, thrombocytopenia 3.2%, nausea and vomiting 15%, alopecia 30%, stomatitis 10%. These toxicities were tolerable and reversible.
CONCLUSION
VIP regimen was not superior to previous regimens for advanced non-small all lung cancer, and the toxicities were tolerable.

• Keywords: Non-small-cell lung cancer;Combination chemotherapy;Cisplatin;Etoposide;Ifosfamide