Cyclophosphamide, etoposide, and infusion cisplatin in refractory small cell lung cancer. A preliminary report

Twelve patients (three with limited and nine with extensive disease) with small cell carcinoma of the lung who had plateaued or progressed on their chemotherapeutic regimens were switched to a program of combination chemotherapy consisting of cyclophosphamide, etoposide, and a 5-day continuous infusion of cisplatin. Nine of the 12 patients (75%) showed further tumor reduction, including four patients who achieved a clinical complete response. Also noted was a patient who previously failed on a regimen of short infusion cisplatin who responded to the continuous infusion platinum regimen. Toxicity was quite acceptable, considering the amount of prior treatment given these patients. Further studies seem warranted to confirm these encouraging preliminary results.