Single-Agent Oral Etoposide in Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Extensive Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and toxicity of pro­longed low-dose oral etoposide in patients with relapsed or refrac­tory extensive small-cell lung cancer.

Patients and Design: Thirty-one patients with relapsed or refrac­tory extensive SCLC were treated with oral etoposide 50 mg (25 mg bid) for 14 days every 3 weeks. Response, duration of response, survival and toxicity were evaluated.

Setting: Departments of Pulmonary Medicine and Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, Ege University.

Results: Partial response was observed in 32.3% of patients.Complete response was not observed. Median duration of response was 16 weeks. Median survival was 16 weeks (range, 4- 48 weeks). Two patients developed grade 3 leukopenia and 6 had grade 1-2 leukopenia. Two patients had grade 1-2 thrombocy­topenia. One patient developed grade 2 nausea/vomiting, and one patient grade 2 diarrhea.

Conclusion: Prolonged administration of low-dose oral etoposide is well tolerated in relapsed or refractory SCLC and has thera­peutic efficacy.