Vinorelbine and ifosfamide for unresectable non-small cell lung cancer

Purpose: The study assessed the efficacy of combination therapy with vinorelbine and ifosfamide in patients with unresectable non-small cell lung cancer. Patients and methods: Forty patients with non-small cell lung cancer whose tumour was unresectable by virtue of the extent of disease or severity of impairment of lung function and who were considered unsuitable for treatment with a cisplatin based treatment were enter-ed onto the study. Thirty-four patients received two cycles of treatment and were considered to be evaluable for response. The treatment schedule consisted of vinorelbine (Navelbine, Pierre Fabre Medicament) 25 mg/m(2) on days 1 and 8, and ifosfamide 2 g/m(2) per day with mesna 0.5 g/m(2) three times daily given on days 1 to 3; cycles were repeated every 21 days and treatment continued in responding patients until progression occurred. Results: Objective responses were observed in 12 patients (30%; CI95, 16-44) with one complete response (CR) and 11 partial response (PR). Conclusion: This schedule achieves good levels of response without the use of cisplatin so it is suitable for patients whose performance status or concomitant medical condition precludes the use of platinum based chemotherapy. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.