Combination chemotherapy for advanced lung cancer.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Clinical Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Lung cancer poses a significant public health challenge in Thailand.
• Advanced non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) requires effective treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the preliminary effectiveness of ifosfamide combination therapy (IA(E)P) for advanced NSCLC.
• To gather data on treatment response and survival rates in Thai patients.

Main Methods:

• A clinical study involving 50 Thai patients with histologically confirmed advanced NSCLC.
• Patients were treated with IA(E)P between 1985-1987 and followed up until February 1992.
• Survival analysis was performed for responders and non-responders, stratified by histological subtype.

Main Results:

• A 54% response rate (27 out of 50 patients) was observed.
• Median survival for responders was 17 months, significantly longer than 5.5 months for non-responders.
• Patients with large cell carcinoma showed the longest survival periods among responders.

Conclusions:

• The IA(E)P regimen shows moderate success in selected patients with advanced NSCLC.
• Further controlled clinical trials are recommended, especially in developing countries, to confirm IA(E)P efficacy.
• This therapy may offer a viable option for improving outcomes in advanced NSCLC.