A combination of cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, vincristine and VP 16-213 (NSC 141 540) in the treatment of bronchogenic carcinoma.

Thirty patients with bronchogenic carcinoma were treated with an 8-week induction therapy consisting of cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, vincristine and VP 16-213 (NSC 141 540). Those who achieved objective remission of tumor stabilization were then placed on an intermittent treatment schedule with the same drugs. Of the 30 patients, 17 had an objective response, 5 remained without change, and 8 progressed. Responses were more frequent among anaplastic (13/19) than epidermoid or adenocarcinoma (4/11). The toxicity consisted mainly of leucopenia, thrombopenia, alopecia, nausea and vomiting. The implications of these findings in the planning of further chemotherapeutic programs are discussed.