Materials and methods: Seventeen lung cancer patients with advanced age, complications or severe symptoms from the tumor were examined. Standard systemic chemotherapy, irradiation or operation was not indicated in these cases due the patients' systemic condition. BAI was performed using CDDP (40-50 mg/m2) + ETP (70 mg/m2) or CPT-11 (40 mg/m2). The therapeutic effects and side effects were examined. A pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic study was done in thirteen cases.
Results: Two patient (12%) revealed partial response and fifteen revealed minor response or no change. BAI was effective especially in six cases of malignant pleural effusion. Clinical effects were recognized in thirteen patient with severe chest symptoms (cough in 8, hemosputum in 2 and chest pain in 3). Side effects of over grade II were vomiting in 2 and leukopenia in one. The median survival was 240 days and the cumulative 2-year survival rate was 19.2%. The results of pharmacokinetic studies showed BAI was similar to standard systemic chemotherapy.
Comment: BAI using low-dose anti-cancer agents was safe and effective and provided improved quality of life in cases of high risk lung cancer.