Neoadjuvant chemo-/radiotherapy in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer

To assess the effect of neoadjuvant therapy on feasibility, resectability and long term outcome in patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer an ongoing multicenter study was started. Neoadjuvant treatment consists of two cycles of polychemotherapy (Ifosfamid, Carboplatin, Etoposid) followed by concurrent chemo-/radiotherapy (Carboplatin, Vindesin and 45 Gy irradiation). 30 patients have meanwhile completed two cycles of polychemotherapy and 29 chemo-/radiotherapy. After completion of neoadjuvant treatment a major radiographic response was noted in 19 patients (cCr n=6, cPR n=13). A complete tumor resection was done in 17 cases R1- or R2-resection in 3. No tumor was found in the surgical specimens in 7 patients