Chemotherapy of Advanced Small-Cell Anaplastic Carcinoma

Abstract

A controlled clinical trial compared 3-drug and 4-drug combination chemotherapy in 109 patients with advanced small-cell anaplastic carcinoma of the lung. The combination of vincristine, 1-(2-chlorethyl)-3-cyclohexyl-1-nitrosourea (CCNU), cyclophosphamide, and methotrexate was significantly superior to the combination of the last 3 durgs alone with regard to median survival (230 vs. 176 days) P < 0.01) and to duration of response (186 vs. 112 days) (P < 0.01). Objective response occurred in 78% and 75%, respectively. No significant difference in these values was observed in the comparison of the 3 subtypes of small-cell anaplastic carcinoma using the World Health Organization''s classification.