A Phase II study of all-trans-retinoic acid plus cisplatin and etoposide in patients with extensive stage small cell lung carcinoma

Abstract

RA at a dose of 150 mg/m2/day was tolerated poorly in combination with cisplatin plus etoposide, leading to early discontinuation of RA in the majority of patients. The hematologic toxicity, response rate, and survival were similar to those associated with cisplatin and etoposide in prior trials. Further studies with more active and less toxic agents will be required to determine the role of retinoids in the treatment of SCLC.