Oral Ifosfamide and Etoposide for Small Cell Lung Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): T. Cerny, M. Lind, N. Thatcher, R. Swindell, R. Stout
Primary Institution: Christie Hospital and Holt Radium Institute
Hypothesis
Does oral Ifosfamide combined with Etoposide provide an effective outpatient treatment for elderly or unfit patients with small cell lung cancer?
Conclusion
The outpatient treatment with oral Ifosfamide and Etoposide resulted in a high response rate and rapid symptom improvement in patients with small cell lung cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- 90% of patients had an objective response rate.
- Complete response rate was 32% and partial response rate was 58%.
- The overall median survival was 11 months.
- 63% of patients completed all six treatment courses.
- Only one treatment-related death occurred due to septicaemia.
Takeaway
Doctors gave medicine by mouth to help older patients with lung cancer feel better quickly, and it worked really well for most of them.
Methodology
Patients received oral Ifosfamide and Etoposide in a fixed regimen over several cycles, with response and toxicity assessed according to WHO criteria.
Potential Biases
The study may have selection bias as it included patients who were medically unfit for intensive chemotherapy.
Limitations
The study included a heterogeneous patient population with varying prognostic factors, and the higher rate of CNS toxicity was noted.
Participant Demographics
Median age was 66 years, with 55% over 65 years; 17 females and 48 males.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
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