Phase II study of UFT in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer

A phase II study of UFT (a mixture of uracil and tegafur; molar ratio of uracil to tegafur = 4) was undertaken in 21 patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). UFT was administered orally at a dose of 400 mg/m2 every day, for more than four weeks. Of 16 adequately treated patients, one (6.3%) showed a partial response. Toxic effects included minimal myelosuppression, anorexia, nausea, vomiting and epigastralgia. Gastrointestinal toxicity was well tolerated. Considering the poor response and mild toxicity, a further phase II study of higher-dose UFT is necessary for patients without prior therapy.