Abstract
Mitomycin, ifosfamide and cis-platin are three of the most active single agents in the chemotherapy of non-small cell lung cancer. We have combined them for a phase 2 study in patients with inoperable non-small cell lung cancer. The regimen ('MIC') comprised: mitomycin 6 mg m-2, ifosfamide 3 g m-2 and cis-platin 50 mg m-2, with routine use of lorazepam, dexamethasone and high dose metoclopramide for anti-emesis. Seventy-four ambulatory patients with untreated, limited (LD) or extensive (ED) disease have entered this study, and 66 are evaluable for response. Thirty patients (45%) have achieved partial remission and 7 (11%) complete remission, as assessed radiologically. The overall response rate is thus 56% (95% confidence interval 44%-68%). There have been 29/43 responses in LD (67%, 95% CI 53%-81%) and 8/23 in ED (35%, 95% CI 15%-55%). The median response duration, measured from the start of treatment is 8.75 months. The median survival for the whole group is 9.2 months. The principal toxicity was nausea and vomiting which was severe or prolonged (greater than 48 h) for one or more courses, in 9% of patients. Performance status (PS) and weight were assessed before, and 3 weeks after the last course of chemotherapy. Fifteen (of 31 evaluable) responders improved their PS and only 1 responder deteriorated. Twenty-one of the 28 evaluable non-responders had no change in PS. The difference in PS change between responders and non-responders is highly significant (P = 0.002). Thirty evaluable responders experienced a mean increase in weight of 2.9% with treatment, whereas 24 evaluable non-responders had a mean weight loss of 3.8%. This change is also highly significant (P = 0.0013). MIC is clearly a well tolerated regime and among the most active combinations in non-small cell lung cancer. It will now be tested in a randomized trial against no chemotherapy.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 24 print issues and online access
$259.00 per year
only $10.79 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Cullen, M., Joshi, R., Chetiyawardana, A. et al. Mitomycin, ifosfamide and cis-platin in non-small cell lung cancer: treatment good enough to compare. Br J Cancer 58, 359–361 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1038/bjc.1988.219
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/bjc.1988.219
This article is cited by
-
mRNA expression levels and genetic status of genes involved in the EGFR and NF-κB pathways in metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer patients
Journal of Translational Medicine (2011)
-
Sequential chemoradiotherapy versus radiotherapy in the management of locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer
Advances in Therapy (2003)
-
Phase II study of mitomycin, ifosfamide and cisplatin in adenocarcinoma of the oesophagus
Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology (1996)
-
Symptomatic, stage IV, non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC): response, toxicity, performance status change and symptom relief in patients treated with cisplatin, vinblastine and mitomycin-C
Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology (1995)