Chemotherapy for metastatic non-small cell bronchogenic carcinoma: cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and etoposide versus mitomycin and vinblastine (EST 2575, generation IV).

Between March and December 1979, the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) compared the CAVP16 (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and etoposide) and MV (mitomycin and vinblastine) regimens in 200 patients with metastatic non-small cell bronchogenic carcinoma. Most patients were ambulatory (ECOG performance status, 0, 1; 75%) and had not received prior radiation therapy (76%). The CAVP16 regimen resulted in one complete and 13 partial responses (14%) and the mitomycin and vinblastine regimen resulted in two complete and 11 partial responses (13%). These results did not differ significantly (P = 0.45) nor did the results for median survival, 18 weeks for each regimen. Good performance status and prior surgical resection were positive predictors of improved survival. Toxicity was significant with eight drug-related deaths, six due to leukopenia and infection and one each due to renal failure and interstitial pneumonitis. CAVP16 resulted in significantly more serious and life-threatening toxicity (P less than 0.0001). Neither regimen is recommended for further study.