A randomized prospective study of vindesine versus doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide in the treatment of epidermoid lung cancer

Abstract

A randomized prospective study was conducted comparing vindesine (VDS) with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (D/C) in the treatment of advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the lung. No patient had a complete response. Seven of 28 (25%) patients had partial response (PR) to VDS while one of 19 (5%) had a PR to D/C (P < 0.08). Adding PR plus minor response (MR), ten of 28 (36%) patients responded to VDS while two of 19 (11%) responded to D/C (P < 0.05). Median survival was improved among patients showing PR and MR over those not responding (P < 0.05). This study concludes, VDS is an active agent in the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the lung and should be considered for combination chemotherapy and adjuvant trials. VDS toxicity appears acceptable with six weekly doses of 3 mg/m2. The benefit of a maintenance schedule could not be demonstrated.