Continuous infusion low-dose CDDP/5-FU plus radiation in inoperable or recurrent non-small-cell lung cancer:...

The combination therapy of continuous infusion low-dose cisplatin plus 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) with radiation for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was performed to assess its effectiveness and any adverse reactions. During the period from April 1994 to December 1998, 18 patients with inoperable or recurrent NSCLC at Aichi Cancer Center Hospital had been treated by chemoradiation with continuous infusion of low-dose cisplatin/5-FU. The median total radiation dose was 66 Gy (range: 60-74.4 Gy). The daily doses of cisplatin and 5-FU ranged from 3 to 6 mg/m2, and from 170 to 250 mg/m2, respectively. In 18 total patients, a complete response was achieved in 4 patients (22%), and a partial response was observed in 12 patients (67%). Grade III toxicity was limited to leukopenia (14.3%). The 1-year and 2-year survival rate in 14 previously untreated patients were 77.4% and 53.1%, respectively. This combination therapy is a well-tolerated regimen. In the future, a study protocol should be designed with a dose-escalation component to further define the optimal doses and schedule for this regimen.