Mitomycin C, vinblastine and cis-platin. An active regimen for advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

Fifty-one patients with advanced non-small cell lung carcinoma were treated with a combination of mitomycin C, vinblastine and cis-platin (MVP). Most cycles were given on an out-patient basis. Major side effects were leukopenia and peripheral neurotoxicity; one patient died of sepsis while leukopenic. In 44 evaluable patients the response rate was 50%, with one complete response. Overall median survival time was 280 days and median duration of responses was 232 days. A better performance status, disease limited to one hemithorax and no prior exposure to chemotherapy positively influenced the survival. MVP is an effective chemotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer and further experience with this combination is warranted.