[Ifosfamide in the treatment of small cell carcinoma of the lung]

A total of 36 cases with small cell carcinoma of the lung were treated with Ifosfamide. Fourteen cases (38.9%) out of 36 cases showed good or marked clinical response, and 120 mg/kg of Ifosfamide was necessary as a minimum dose to obtain effective response. As side effects of Ifosfamide, gastrointestinal disturbance (66.7%), depilation (66.7%), leukopenia (38.9%) and hematuria (36.1%) were observed. Mean survival time (M.S.T.) was prolonged by using Ifosfamide, comparing with the groups treated by with other anticancer drugs. Ifosfamide, therefore, should be used for the treatment of small cell carcinoma of the lung.