BACKGROUNDTo evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of ITP (ifosfamide + perarubicin + cisplatin) and NP (vinorelbine + cisplatin) regimens in the treatment of advanced non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODSOne hundred inoperatable or recurrent patients with stage III and IV NSCLC were randomized into ITP group and NP group treated by the two regimens responsively for 2 or 3 cycles.

RESULTSThe overall response rate was 51.5% for ITP group and 50.9% for the NP group, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference of the overall response rate between the two groups ( P > 0.05). The major side effects were leukopenia and gastrointestinal reaction. The leukopenia incidence was higher in ITP group than that in NC group ( P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSBoth ITP and NP regimens are effective for the advanced NSCLC. Compared with ITP regimen, NP regimen has less bone marrow toxicity than ITP regimen.