[Treatment results in unselected small cell bronchial carcinoma patients]

18 of 36 consecutive patients with small cell carcinoma of the lung received a combination of chemotherapy (Adriblastin, Oncovin, Cyclophosphamide) and radiotherapy (primary tumor and CNS). This treatment resulted in a response rte of 78%, and in a median survival of 10.6 months ("limited disease" 13 months, "extensive disease" 9 months). Complete remissions were obtained only in 4 of 18 patients, 4 patients of these were long-term survivors (greater than 18 months). Due to heart diseases, age, or poor general condition 18 patients received a milder combination of chemotherapy ("COM", "VP-O-C") and tumor irradiation. The response rate was 66%. Complete remission was achieved in only 2 of 18 patients. The median survival rate was 8.6 ("limited disease" 10.5 months, "extensive disease" 6.0 months). Survival exceeded 18 months in 4 of these patients. The toxicity was mild, the mean cumulative duration of hospitalization was 78 (30-120) days per patient.