Etoposide-Cisplatin Alternating with Vinorelbine-Cisplatin Versus Etoposide-Cisplatin Alone in Patients with Extensive Disease Combined with Small Cell Lung Cancer

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of alternating etoposide-cisplatin andvinorelbine-cisplatin (EP-NP) compared with an etoposide-cisplatin (EP) regimen for advanced combined smallcell carcinomas. Materials and
Methods: Histologically confirmed combined small cell carcinoma patients whomet the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned (1:1) into either the EP-NP setting (group A) or the EP setting(group B). The primary endpoint was progression-free survival in patients who received at least one dose oftreatment.
Results: Eighty-two patients entered into this trial, 42 in group A and 40 in group B. The objectiveresponse rates in group A and group B were 42.9% and 32.5%, respectively (p=0.334). Survival analysis showedthat median progression-free survival was 6.1 months in group A, which was significantly longer than the 4.1months in group B (p=0.041). However, as to overall survival, no significant difference was found between the twogroups (11.0 vs 10.1 months in groups A and B, respectively, p=0.545). No unexpected side effects were observedin either group.
Conclusions: The EP-NP regimen for combined small cell carcinomas prolonged progressionfreesurvival compared with the EP regimen. Further clinical investigations are warranted.