[Combination chemotherapy for bronchogenic carcinoma based on cell type]

Based on the cell types in bronchogenic carcinoma, we treated 123 patients with different regimens of combination chemotherapy. The chemotherapy regimens consisted of CAP (cyclophosphamide + adriamycin + platinum) for 60 patients with adenocarcinoma and large cell carcinoma, PP (peplomycin + platinum) for 29 patients with squamous cell carcinoma and CAV (cyclophosphamide + adriamycin + vincristine) for 35 patients with small cell carcinoma. These regimens were repeated every 4 weeks for at least 2 cycles. The response rates for CAP, PP and CAV were 18.3% (11 PR), 20.7% (6 PR) and 60% (10 CR + 11 PR), respectively. Median survival time (MST) was 12.5 months for CAP, 8.5 months for PP and 9.5 months for CAV. Responders had a significantly (P less than 0.002) improved survival (MST, 15.5 months) compared to non-responders (MST, 7.5 months) in small cell carcinoma. However, there was no significant difference between responders and non-responders in CAP and PP. Survival of patients with PS 0-1 was significantly better than that with PS 2-3 in all treated patients. Nausea and vomiting were severe in patients treated with platinum-based polychemotherapy. There was no renal failure although a transient increase of serum creatinine was noted in CAP and PP. Myelosuppression was mild to moderate in all patients treated with CAP, PP and CAV.