Acute leukemia following combination chemotherapy for cancer of the lung

A 64-year-old male with recurrent metastatic squamous cell carcinoma was successfully treated with intensive combination chemotherapy. His complete remission was maintained with a nitrosourea, nitrogen mustard and methotrexate for 3 years. While in remission the patient developed acute leukemia. It appears that this secondary malignancy was due to his prolonged chemotherapy.