[Cisplatin as a radiosensitizer in the treatment of solid tumours--a clinical pilot study]

A variety of experimental tumour models have shown that cisplatin in combination with ionizing radiation enhances tumour regression. To evaluate the feasibility, efficacy and toxicity of a combined regimen, 25 patients with different solid tumours were treated with cisplatin and photon irradiation. A local tumour control was achieved in 22 cases. Thirteen patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the lung (T1-3, N1-2, M0) received cisplatin (20 mg/m2 per day) on 5 consecutive days with NaCl hyperhydratation (0,9% NaCl, 2400 ml/24 hours as continuous infusion) in the first and last week of radiotherapy (5 X 2 Gy/week, 56 Gy target volume dose). 12 of 13 patients have shown local tumour control. Increased clinically evident side effects were not observed. From the underlying data the conclusion is drawn that the experimental results are reproducable under clinical conditions and that improved local tumour response rates can be achieved.