BACKGROUND: A phase II study was conducted to determine the tumor efficacy and tolerance of alternating chemotherapy in extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ED-SCLC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-six patients with previously untreated ED-SCLC were enrolled in the study. At least four courses of chemotherapy consisting of alternation of two drug combinations were given: alternating cycles of etoposide and carboplatin (EC) with weekly administration of irinotecan and cisplatin (IP) at 3- or 4-week intervals. RESULTS: The overall response rate was 81.8%. The median duration of survival and progression-free survival were 314 days and 144 days, respectively. Hematological toxicity was the main adverse event. Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and anemia were observed in 69.2, 25.6 and 23.1% of the patients, respectively. Severe diarrhea (10.8%) was remarkable during the IP regimen. CONCLUSION: This novel alternating chemotherapy for patients with ED-SCLC showed moderate tumor efficacy and an acceptable safety profile.
BACKGROUND: A phase II study was conducted to determine the tumor efficacy and tolerance of alternating chemotherapy in extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ED-SCLC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-six patients with previously untreated ED-SCLC were enrolled in the study. At least four courses of chemotherapy consisting of alternation of two drug combinations were given: alternating cycles of etoposide and carboplatin (EC) with weekly administration of irinotecan and cisplatin (IP) at 3- or 4-week intervals. RESULTS: The overall response rate was 81.8%. The median duration of survival and progression-free survival were 314 days and 144 days, respectively. Hematological toxicity was the main adverse event. Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and anemia were observed in 69.2, 25.6 and 23.1% of the patients, respectively. Severe diarrhea (10.8%) was remarkable during the IP regimen. CONCLUSION: This novel alternating chemotherapy for patients with ED-SCLC showed moderate tumor efficacy and an acceptable safety profile.