Long-term results of treatment with mild toxicities in small cell lung carcinoma

Results of treating small cell lung carcinoma with mild toxicities were investigated retrospectively. From 1974 to 1981, 38 patients were treated according to three institutional protocols: radiation alone (RAD), radiation with ifosfamide (IFOS), and radiation with adriamycin, vincristine, and cyclophosphamide (AOC). Of the three five-year survivors, two were treated with IFOS and one with RAD. The time period between admission and the beginning of radiotherapy was longer and the treatment field smaller in AOC than in the other two protocols. IFOS and RAD showed less toxicity. Our study indicated that IFOS and RAD should be regarded as curative treatments for limited disease and are suitable for patients who do not have sufficient bone marrow reserve.