Phase II study of topotecan with cisplatin in Japanese patients with small cell lung cancer

Background: We conducted a phase II study of topotecan (Tp) with cisplatin (CDDP) in previously untreated Japanese patients with extensive-disease small cell lung cancer (ED-SCLC). Patients and Methods: In stage 1, a total of 30 patients were allocated to Tp 0.65 mg/m ² with CDDP 60 mg/m ² day 1 or Tp 1.00 mg/m ² with CDDP day 5 following prophylactic granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) from day 6. In stage 2, the selective combination in 29 patients was evaluated for response rate, toxicity and overall survival. Results: In stage 1, Tp 1.00 mg/m ² with CDDP day 5 was selected this schedule had a better hematological profile. In stage 2, the response rate was 83%, and grade 3/4 adverse events were hematological-toxicities. The median survival time was 17.5 months and the 1 year survival rate was 79%. Conclusion: Combination of Tp and CDDP on day 5 with G-CSF support is safe and effective for previously untreated ED-SCLC Japanese patients.