Chemotherapy for metastatic non-small cell bronchogenic carcinoma: EST 2575, generation III, HAM versus CAMP

Between September 1978 and March 1979 the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group compared the CAMP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, methotrexate, and procarbazine) and HAM (hexamethylmelamine, doxorubicin, and methotrexate) regimens in 154 patients with metastatic non-small cell bronchogenic carcinoma. Most patients were ambulatory (77%) and had not received prior radiotherapy (59%). HAM produced two complete responses (CR) and eight partial responses (PR) (n = 77; 2.5% CR, 10.4% PR, 13% overall response) whereas CAMP resulted in five CR and 12 PR (n = 77; 6.5% CR, 15.6% PR, 22% overall response). This difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.14 with Fisher's exact 2-sided test) nor was the difference in overall median survival (HAM, 22.1 weeks and CAMP, 19.3 weeks). Responders had a significantly improved median survival (32.5 weeks) compared to nonresponders (17.9 weeks, P = 0.018). Ambulatory performance status and lack of prior radiotherapy were positive predictors for prolonged survival.