High Dose Etoposide for Brain Metastases in Small Cell Lung Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): P.E. Postmus, H. Haaxma-Reiche, D.Th. Sleijfer, A. Kirkpatrick, J.G. McVie, J.P. Kleisbauer
Primary Institution: State University Hospital, Groningen, The Netherlands
Hypothesis
Can high dose etoposide effectively treat brain metastases in patients with small cell lung cancer?
Conclusion
The study found a 43% response rate to high dose etoposide, but the treatment was too toxic for heavily pretreated patients.
Supporting Evidence
- 43% of patients showed a response to the treatment.
- Median survival for responders was 8 months.
- Severe toxicity led to five deaths related to treatment.
Takeaway
This study tested a strong medicine called etoposide to help people with brain problems from lung cancer, but it made many people very sick.
Methodology
Patients with small cell lung cancer and brain metastases received high dose etoposide and were monitored for response and toxicity.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and high toxicity, leading to several deaths related to treatment.
Participant Demographics
28 patients (2 female, 26 male) with a mean age of 58 years.
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