Efficacy and toxicity of vinorelbine-carboplatin combination in the treatment of advanced adenocarcinoma or large-cell carcinoma of the lung.

Aims and background: The aim of the study was to assess the activity and toxicity of the vinorelbine-carboplatin combination in advanced adenocarcinoma or large-cell carcinoma of the lung. The new vinca derivative, vinorelbine, shows promising activity when combined with cisplatin, but toxicity of the combination is substantial. Methods: Accordingly, we substituted carboplatin for cisplatin in the combination in order to improve the therapeutic index. From March 1992 to March 1994, 55 untreated patients with undifferentiated unresectable or metastatic adenocarcinoma or large-cell carcinoma of the lung were recruited. The treatment consisted of a course of carboplatin (300 mg/m(2)) and vinorelbine (25 mg/mz) repeated every 4 weeks. The only grade 3 toxicity observed was 16 cases of grade 3 vomiting and 2 cases of grade 3 stomatitis. Results: The positive response rate was 40% (partial response, 22 patients). In conclusion, the vinorelbine-carboplatin combination may be regarded as an active, safe regimen for the palliative treatment of advanced adenocarcinoma or large-cell carcinoma of the lung.