Intensive combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy of small cell lung cancer
Perevodchikova, N.I.; Bychkov, M.B.; Tevzadze, G.A.
Vestnik Akademii Meditsinskikh Nauk SSSR 1981(7): 60-64
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-3027 PMID: 6270929 Document Number: 169605
Results of conservative treatment of 102 patients with small-cell lung cancer are presented. Chemotherapy in combination with remote .gamma.-therapy (total dose 500 rads) was given to 82 patients. Regression of the tumor by > 50% of its initial size occurred in 75% of patients, with complete regression in 27%. The average duration of remission was 9.2 mo. The average survival time was 1 yr. A scheme of maintenance therapy using the same drugs on an outpatient basis was proposed. Follow-up studies showed that > 50% of patients with small cell lung cancer die from metastases to the brain. It is important to develop methods for the prevention of this complication.