Cisplatin, ifosfamide and vindesine in the chemotherapy of non-small-cell lung cancer: a combination phase II study

A total of 47 patients with unresectable non-small-cell lung cancer were treated with a regimen consisting of cisplatin (CDDP, 100 mg/m2), ifosfamide (IFX, 2 g/m2 × 3; with mesna) and vindesine (VDS, 3 mg/m2) (CIV). This regimen was given over a 3- or 5-week period. Among 40 completely evaluable patients, 19 partial responses (PRs) were observed, for a response rate of 47.5% (78.6% in squamous-cell carcinoma and 30.1% in adeno-and large-cell carcinoma); no complete responses (CRs) were obtained. The hematologic toxicity was not severe, but the renal toxicity was rather high; two patients developed acute renal failure and died of subsequent pancytopenia and sepsis. We concluded that the CIV regimen was more effective, especially against squamous-cell carcinoma, but more toxic than the combination of CDDP and VDS for non-small-cell lung cancer and that candidates for this therapy must be carefully chosen.