New agents and combinations in the treatment of bronchogenic carcinoma

Phase I and II studies have been conducted with various combinations of vincristine, bleomycin, methyl-CCNU, and cyclophosphamide in the treatment of bronchogenic carcinoma. Although bleomycin alone was not very active, the combination of vincristine and bleomycin produced three partial responses in 12 patients. Methyl-CCNU alone produced four partial responses in 16 patients, whereas the combination of methyl-CCNU and cyclophosphamide produced three partial responses in ten patients. Preliminary studies have been initiated with the four drugs in combination and five of 13 patients have achieved partial responses. Major toxic effects have included nausea, vomiting, skin changes, neuropathy, and myelosuppression. Further studies with this combination are warranted.