Vindesine and mitomycin C in inoperable non-small cell lung cancer

Twenty-nine patients with inoperable non-small cell lung cancer were treated as out-patients with vindesine and mitomycin C. Eight patients had a complete response, and nine a partial response. Response was generally associated with either stable or improving ECOG and symptom scores. The incidence of serious side-effects was low--only two patients' white cell count fell below 3000 cells/mm2, only one patient's platelet count fell below 100,000 cells/mm2, and two patients developed vomiting associated with treatment. The combination of vindesine and mitomycin C appears to be effective in the treatment of inoperable non-small cell lung cancer. Side effects were generally well tolerated and allowed out-patient treatment.