[Chemotherapy and combined chemo- and radiotherapy of small cell lung cancer]

Objective response of small cell lung cancer to different modalities of chemo-and radiation chemotherapy was recorded in 68-94% while complete regression of tumor--in 22-50% of a total of 166 cases. Complete regression was registered in approximately 33% of cases of localized tumor process and in 16% of cases of expanded process. The survival median for different treatment modalities was 13.7-22.5 months in cases of complete regression and 8.7-12.4 months for partial regression. The cyclophosphamide + adriamycin + methotrexate treatment scheme proved effective in 87% of localized tumor (complete regression--27%). As a result of treatment with the said drugs plus radiation, objective response was obtained in 95%, with complete regression being registered in 68% of the latter group. Therefore, radiation should be an indispensable component of treatment for small cell lung cancer. A two year relapse- and metastasis--free period was observed in 18% cases of localized process and a five year period--in 9%.