Phase II trial of daily oral VP-16 in refractory small cell lung cancer: a Hoosier Oncology Group study.

Twenty-six previously treated patients with refractory small cell lung cancer (SCLC) were entered into a Hoosier Oncology Group phase II trial of daily oral etoposide 50 mg/m2/d. Twenty-five patients had prior exposure to cisplatin plus etoposide, and 14 of the 26 patients (54%) had prior therapy with CAV (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and vincristine). Nonhematologic toxicity was mild; the dose-limiting toxicity was granulocytopenia. One complete response and five partial responses were seen (duration, 6 to 20 weeks), for an overall response rate of 23%. We conclude that daily oral etoposide is a well-tolerated and easily administered drug in refractory SCLC and has definite therapeutic activity.