Combination chemotherapy and thoracic radiotherapy for limited-stage small cell carcinoma of the lung

Fifty patients with limited stage small cell lung cancer [SCLC] were given six courses of combination chemotherapy [CAV]. Thoracic irradiation was administered cocurrently with the second course of chemotherapy. Prophylactic cranial irradiation was given after the termination of chemotherapy. No maintenance was used. Seventy six percent of patients achieved a complete clinical response. The median survival was 78 weeks and the 2-year survival rate was 32% Combination chemotherapy can be administered concurrently with thoracic irradiation with acceptable toxicity