BACKGROUNDTo evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of ifosfamide and cisplatin in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

METHODSFifty-six patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer were treated by combination chemotherapy of ifosfamide and cisplatin for two cycles: ifosfamide 1.5-2.0g/m² iv drip on day 1-4, mesna 400mg iv at 0,4,8 hours after using ifosfamide; DDP 25-30mg/m² iv drip on day 5-7. The response, toxicity, relievable period and survival period were evaluated.

RESULTSThe total response rate was 50.0%. The response rate of patients in primary treatment was 52.8% and that of return cases was 45.0% (P > 0.05). The median relievable period was five months. The median duration of survival (MDS) was nine months. The major toxicity was inhibition of bone marrow, especially of leukocyte and platelet.

CONCLUSIONSCombination chemotherapy of ifosfamide and cisplatin is effective in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer including the return cases, and the toxicity is tolerable. If G-CSF is used as a complementary therapy, this regimen could be quite clinically valuable.