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Combination chemotherapy for small cell lung cancer
1Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur.
The Medical Journal of Malaysia
|June 1, 1993
Summary
The CAVE chemotherapy regimen, combining cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, vincristine, and etoposide (VP 16), shows significant effectiveness in treating small cell lung cancer (SCLC). This regimen improved patient response rates and quality of life, offering a beneficial treatment option for SCLC.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Chemotherapy
Background:
- Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is characterized by early dissemination and poor prognosis.
- Despite its aggressive nature, SCLC exhibits high chemosensitivity, making chemotherapy the primary treatment modality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and impact on quality of life of the CAVE chemotherapy regimen in patients with small cell lung cancer.
Main Methods:
- Seventeen SCLC patients received six cycles of CAVE chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide, adriamycin, vincristine, etoposide) at 3-week intervals.
- Treatment response and quality of life (Karnofsky performance score) were assessed mid-therapy and post-therapy.
Main Results:
- An overall response rate of 76.4% was observed, with 52.9% complete response and 23.5% partial response.
- Six-month survival was 70.8%, with 23.5% of patients surviving after 1 year; median survival was 36 weeks.
- A 30% improvement in Karnofsky performance score indicated enhanced quality of life post-chemotherapy.
Conclusions:
- The CAVE regimen demonstrates significant efficacy and clinical benefit for the majority of patients diagnosed with small cell lung cancer.
- This combination chemotherapy approach offers a promising treatment strategy for improving outcomes in SCLC patients.