Small cell lung cancer

Section editor
	Travis Osterman, DO, MS, FAMIA Vanderbilt University Nashville, TN TravisOsterman LinkedIn

Are you looking for a regimen but can't find it here? It is possible that we've moved it to the historical regimens page. For placebo or observational studies in this condition, please visit this page. If you still can't find it, please let us know so we can add it!.

44 regimens on this page 89 variants on this page

Guidelines

ASCO

• 2021: Daly et al. Radiation Therapy for Small-Cell Lung Cancer: ASCO Guideline Endorsement of an ASTRO Guideline
• 2020: Schneider et al. Lung Cancer Surveillance After Definitive Curative-Intent Therapy: ASCO Guideline
• 2015: Rudin et al. Treatment of small-cell lung cancer: American Society of Clinical Oncology endorsement of the American College of Chest Physicians guideline PubMed

ESMO

• 2013: Früh et al. Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC): ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. PubMed

NCCN

• NCCN Guidelines - Small Cell Lung Cancer

Limited stage, induction

Carboplatin & Etoposide (CE)

back to top

EP: Etoposide, Paraplatin (Carboplatin)

Regimen variant #1, 2 days of oral etoposide per cycle

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Lee et al. 2009a	2003-2006	Phase III (C)	CE & Thalidomide, then RT	Did not meet primary endpoint of OS

Chemotherapy

• Carboplatin (Paraplatin) AUC 6 IV once on day 1
• Etoposide (Vepesid) 120 mg/m² IV once on day 1, then 100 mg PO twice per day on days 2 & 3

21-day cycle for up to 6 cycles

Subsequent treatment

• Patients with complete or partial responses: Thoracic radiotherapy and prophylactic cranial irradiation, approximately 3 weeks after the last cycle, "according to local practice".

Regimen variant #2, 1 day of oral etoposide per cycle

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Lee et al. 2009a	2003-2006	Phase III (C)	CE & Thalidomide, then RT	Did not meet primary endpoint of OS

Chemotherapy

• Carboplatin (Paraplatin) AUC 6 IV once on day 1
• Etoposide (Vepesid) 120 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1 & 2, then 100 mg PO twice per day on day 3

21-day cycle for up to 6 cycles

Subsequent treatment

• Patients with complete or partial responses: Thoracic radiotherapy and prophylactic cranial irradiation, approximately 3 weeks after the last cycle, "according to local practice".

References

1. Lee SM, Woll PJ, Rudd R, Ferry D, O'Brien M, Middleton G, Spiro S, James L, Ali K, Jitlal M, Hackshaw A. Anti-angiogenic therapy using thalidomide combined with chemotherapy in small cell lung cancer: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2009 Aug 5;101(15):1049-57. Epub 2009 Jul 16. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed

Cisplatin & Etoposide (EP)

back to top

EP: Etoposide, Platinol (Cisplatin)

Regimen

Study	Evidence
Evans et al. 1985	Phase II

Patients with limited stage disease responding to therapy received prophylactic cranial irradiation, 4 Gy fractions once per day x 5 fractions (total dose: 20 Gy) over 5 days between cycles 3 and 4.

Chemotherapy

• Cisplatin (Platinol) 25 mg/m² IV slow push once per day on days 1 to 3, given second
• Etoposide (Vepesid) 100 mg/m² IV over at least 30 minutes once per day on days 1 to 3, given first

Supportive medications

• Dexamethasone (Decadron) 10 mg IV once per day on days 1 to 3, prior to chemotherapy
• Metoclopramide (Reglan) 10 mg IV or PO once per day on days 1 to 3, prior to chemotherapy
• Prochlorperazine (Compazine) 10 mg IM or PO once per day on days 1 to 3, prior to chemotherapy
• "No special efforts were made to hydrate the patients," though PO fluid intake was encouraged, and 500 mL normal saline was given with etoposide infusion.

21- to 28-day cycle for 6 cycles

Subsequent treatment

• Thoracic radiation

References

1. Evans WK, Shepherd FA, Feld R, Osoba D, Dang P, Deboer G. VP-16 and cisplatin as first-line therapy for small-cell lung cancer. J Clin Oncol. 1985 Nov;3(11):1471-7. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed

Limited stage, definitive chemoradiotherapy

Carboplatin, Etoposide, RT

back to top

EP & RT: Etoposide, Paraplatin (Carboplatin), Radiation Therapy

Regimen variant #1

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Skarlos et al. 2001	1993-1999	Randomized Phase II (E-switch-ic)	Carboplatin, Etoposide, RT; early HTRT	Might have superior ORR

Chemotherapy

• Carboplatin (Paraplatin) AUC 6 IV over 60 minutes once on day 1, given first, before etoposide
• Etoposide (Vepesid) 100 mg/m² IV over 2 hours once per day on days 1 to 3, given second, after carboplatin

Radiotherapy

• Concurrent hyperfractionated thoracic radiation therapy (HTRT), 1.5 Gy fractions given twice per day (at least 4, but preferably 6 hours between fractions) x 30 fractions (total dose: 45 Gy) over 3 weeks. Skarlos et al. 2001 examined two different timings for radiation therapy. There was no significant difference between early vs. late HTRT, though there was a trend toward higher response rate for late HTRT. Early HTRT is given during cycle 1 of chemotherapy; late HTRT is given during cycle 4 of chemotherapy.

21-day cycle for up to 6 cycles

Subsequent treatment

• Patients with CR: Prophylactic cranial irradiation

Regimen variant #2

Study	Evidence
Okamoto et al. 1999	Phase II

Patients in Okamoto et al. 1999 were greater than or equal to 70 years old.

Chemotherapy

• Carboplatin (Paraplatin) AUC 5 IV over 60 minutes once on day 1, given first
• Etoposide (Vepesid) 100 mg/m² IV over 60 minutes once per day on days 1 to 3, given second

Radiotherapy

• Thoracic radiation, given third
• Palliative radiation therapy was allowed to control persistent pain from bony metastases

Supportive medications

• Dexamethasone (Decadron) 8 mg IV once per day on days 1 to 3, prior to chemotherapy
• Granisetron 40 mcg/kg IV once per day on days 1 to 3, prior to chemotherapy
• G-CSF (type not specified) 2 mcg/kg SC given for grade 3 or greater leukopenia/neutropenia

28-day cycle for up to 4 cycles

References

1. Okamoto H, Watanabe K, Nishiwaki Y, Mori K, Kurita Y, Hayashi I, Masutani M, Nakata K, Tsuchiya S, Isobe H, Saijo N. Phase II study of area under the plasma-concentration-versus-time curve-based carboplatin plus standard-dose intravenous etoposide in elderly patients with small-cell lung cancer. J Clin Oncol. 1999 Nov;17(11):3540-5. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed
2. Skarlos DV, Samantas E, Briassoulis E, Panoussaki E, Pavlidis N, Kalofonos HP, Kardamakis D, Tsiakopoulos E, Kosmidis P, Tsavdaridis D, Tzitzikas J, Tsekeris P, Kouvatseas G, Zamboglou N, Fountzilas G; Hellenic Cooperative Oncology Group. Randomized comparison of early versus late hyperfractionated thoracic irradiation concurrently with chemotherapy in limited disease small-cell lung cancer: a randomized phase II study of the Hellenic Cooperative Oncology Group (HeCOG). Ann Oncol. 2001 Sep;12(9):1231-8. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed

Cisplatin, Etoposide, RT

back to top

EP & RT: Etoposide, Platinol (Cisplatin), Radiation Therapy
PE + RT: Platinol (Cisplatin), Etoposide, Radiation Therapy

Regimen variant #1, 60/360/45

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Turrisi et al. 1999 (Intergroup 0096)	1989-1992	Phase III (E-esc)	EP & RT; once per day RT	Seems to have superior OS

Chemotherapy

• Cisplatin (Platinol) 60 mg/m² IV once on day 1
• Etoposide (Vepesid) 120 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1 to 3

Radiotherapy

• Concurrent radiation therapy, 1.50 Gy fractions given twice per day x 30 fractions over 3 weeks, given during cycle 1 of chemotherapy (total dose: 45 Gy)

21-day cycle for 4 cycles

Subsequent treatment

• After completing 4 cycles of chemotherapy, patients were restaged. Because of the high rate of brain metastases (50%), patients with CR were offered Prophylactic cranial irradiation

Regimen variant #2, 70/300/52.5, early RT

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy	Comparative Toxicity
Sun et al. 2013	2003-2010	Phase III (C)	EP & RT; late RT	Non-inferior CR rate	Seems to have higher rates of neutropenic fever

Chemotherapy

• Cisplatin (Platinol) 70 mg/m² IV once on day 1
• Etoposide (Vepesid) 100 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1 to 3

Radiotherapy

• Concurrent radiation therapy, 2.10 Gy fractions x 25 fractions over 5 weeks, given during cycle 1 of chemotherapy (total dose: 52.5 Gy)

21-day cycle for 4 cycles

Regimen variant #3, 70/300/52.5, late RT

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy	Comparative Toxicity
Sun et al. 2013	2003-2010	Phase III (E-switch-ic)	EP & RT; early RT	Non-inferior CR rate	Seems to have lower rates of neutropenic fever

Chemotherapy

• Cisplatin (Platinol) 70 mg/m² IV once on day 1
• Etoposide (Vepesid) 100 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1 to 3

Radiotherapy

• Concurrent radiation therapy, 2.10 Gy fractions x 25 fractions over 5 weeks, given during cycle 3 of chemotherapy (total dose: 52.5 Gy)

21-day cycle for 4 cycles

Regimen variant #4, 75/180/45, pre-planned dose reduction

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy	Comparative Toxicity
Bunn et al. 1995	1989-1991	Phase III (C)	EP & RT; with GM-CSF support	Did not meet secondary endpoints	Less toxic

Note: toxicity was the primary endpoint in this study.

Chemotherapy

• Cisplatin (Platinol) as follows:
  • Cycles 1 to 3: 25 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1 to 3
  • Cycles 4 to 6: 40 mg/m² IV once on day 1
• Etoposide (Vepesid) as follows:
  • Cycles 1 to 3: 60 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1 to 3
  • Cycles 4 to 6: 50 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1 to 3

Radiotherapy

• Concurrent radiation therapy during cycles 1 & 2, 1.80 Gy fractions x 25 fractions (total dose: 45 Gy)

21-day cycle for 6 cycles

Regimen variant #5, 75/300/45

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Faivre-Finn et al. 2017 (CONVERT)	2008-2013	Phase III (E-esc)	EP & RT; once per day RT	Did not meet primary endpoint of OS

Chemotherapy

• Cisplatin (Platinol) 75 mg/m² IV once on day 1
• Etoposide (Vepesid) 100 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1 to 3

Radiotherapy

• Concurrent radiation therapy, 1.50 Gy fractions given twice per day x 30 fractions over 3 weeks, given during cycle 1 of chemotherapy (total dose: 45 Gy)

21-day cycle for 4 or 6 cycles

Regimen variant #6, 75/300/45, split doses of cisplatin

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Faivre-Finn et al. 2017 (CONVERT)	2008-2013	Phase III (E-esc)	EP & RT; once per day RT	Did not meet primary endpoint of OS

Chemotherapy

• Cisplatin (Platinol) 25 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1 to 3
• Etoposide (Vepesid) 100 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1 to 3

Radiotherapy

• Concurrent radiation therapy, 1.50 Gy fractions given twice per day x 30 fractions over 3 weeks, given during cycle 1 of chemotherapy (total dose: 45 Gy)

21-day cycle for 4 or 6 cycles

Regimen variant #7, 75/700/42, partially oral etoposide

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Sundstrøm et al. 2002	1989-1994	Phase III (E-switch-ic)	CEV & RT	Superior OS

Chemotherapy

• Cisplatin (Platinol) 75 mg/m² IV once on day 1
• Etoposide (Vepesid) 100 mg/m² IV once on day 1, then 200 mg/m² PO once per day on days 2 to 4, taken on an empty stomach

Radiotherapy

• Concurrent thoracic radiation therapy, 2.8 Gy fractions once per day x 15 fractions (total dose: 42 Gy) over 3 weeks, given "between the third and fourth chemotherapy courses"

Supportive medications

• "Standard prehydration and posthydration procedures were followed in conjunction with cisplatin administration."

21-day cycle for up to 5 cycles

Subsequent treatment

• Patients with CR: Prophylactic cranial irradiation

Regimen variant #8, 80/240/50

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
McClay et al. 2005 (CALGB 9235)	1993-1999	Phase III (E-de-esc)	EP, Tamoxifen, RT	Did not meet primary endpoint of OS

Chemotherapy

• Cisplatin (Platinol) 80 mg/m² IV once on day 1
• Etoposide (Vepesid) 80 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1 to 3

Radiotherapy

• Concurrent thoracic radiation therapy, 200 cGy fractions once per day x 25 fractions (total dose: 50 Gy) over 5 weeks, started on cycle 4 day 1 of chemotherapy

21-day cycle for 5 cycles

Regimen variant #9, 80/300/45, 1 cycle of chemo

Study	Evidence
Saito et al. 2006 (WJTOG 9902)	Phase II
Kubota et al. 2013 (JCOG0202)	Non-randomized portion of RCT

Chemotherapy

• Cisplatin (Platinol) 80 mg/m² IV once on day 1
• Etoposide (Vepesid) 100 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1 to 3

Radiotherapy

• Concurrent thoracic radiation therapy, 1.5 Gy fractions given twice per day (at least 4, but preferably 6 hours between fractions) x 30 fractions (total dose: 45 Gy) over 3 weeks, started on cycle 1 day 2 of chemotherapy

28-day cycle for 1 cycle

Subsequent treatment

• WJTOG 9902: IP consolidation
• JCOG0202: EP x 3 versus IP consolidation

Regimen variant #10, 80/300/45, 4 cycles of chemo

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Takada et al. 2002 (JCOG 9104)	1991-1995	Phase III (E-switch-ic)	EP, then RT	Might have superior OS

Chemotherapy

• Cisplatin (Platinol) 80 mg/m² IV once on day 1
• Etoposide (Vepesid) 100 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1 to 3

Radiotherapy

• Concurrent thoracic radiation therapy, 1.5 Gy fractions given twice per day (4 or more hours between fractions) x 30 fractions (total dose: 45 Gy) over 3 weeks, started on cycle 1 day 2 of chemotherapy

28-day cycle for 4 cycles

Subsequent treatment

• JCOG 9104 patients with CR or near-CR ("a scar-like shadow on chest films but no positive cytology and/or bronchoscopic biopsy"): Prophylactic cranial irradiation

Regimen variant #11, 90/300/39.9

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Sculier et al. 2008	1993-2006	Phase III (E-switch-ic)	EP & RT; daily cisplatin	Did not meet primary endpoint of OS

Chemotherapy

• Cisplatin (Platinol) 90 mg/m² IV once on day 1
• Etoposide (Vepesid) 100 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1 to 3

Radiotherapy

• Concurrent radiation therapy, 2.66 Gy fractions once per day x 15 fractions over 3 weeks, given during cycle 1 of chemotherapy (total dose: 39.9 Gy)

21-day cycle for up to 6 cycles

References

1. Bunn PA Jr, Crowley J, Kelly K, Hazuka MB, Beasley K, Upchurch C, Livingston R; SWOG. Chemoradiotherapy with or without granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in the treatment of limited-stage small-cell lung cancer: a prospective phase III randomized study of the Southwest Oncology Group. J Clin Oncol. 1995 Jul;13(7):1632-41. Erratum in: J Clin Oncol 1995 Nov;13(11):2860. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed
2. Intergroup 0096: Turrisi AT 3rd, Kim K, Blum R, Sause WT, Livingston RB, Komaki R, Wagner H, Aisner S, Johnson DH. Twice-daily compared with once-daily thoracic radiotherapy in limited small-cell lung cancer treated concurrently with cisplatin and etoposide. N Engl J Med. 1999 Jan 28;340(4):265-71. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed
3. JCOG 9104: Takada M, Fukuoka M, Kawahara M, Sugiura T, Yokoyama A, Yokota S, Nishiwaki Y, Watanabe K, Noda K, Tamura T, Fukuda H, Saijo N. Phase III study of concurrent versus sequential thoracic radiotherapy in combination with cisplatin and etoposide for limited-stage small-cell lung cancer: results of the Japan Clinical Oncology Group Study 9104. J Clin Oncol. 2002 Jul 15;20(14):3054-60. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed content property of HemOnc.org
4. Sundstrøm S, Bremnes RM, Kaasa S, Aasebø U, Hatlevoll R, Dahle R, Boye N, Wang M, Vigander T, Vilsvik J, Skovlund E, Hannisdal E, Aamdal S; Norwegian Lung Cancer Study Group. Cisplatin and etoposide regimen is superior to cyclophosphamide, epirubicin, and vincristine regimen in small-cell lung cancer: results from a randomized phase III trial with 5 years' follow-up. J Clin Oncol. 2002 Dec 15;20(24):4665-72. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed
5. CALGB 9235: McClay EF, Bogart J, Herndon JE 2nd, Watson D, Evans L, Seagren SL, Green MR; CALGB. A phase III trial evaluating the combination of cisplatin, etoposide, and radiation therapy with or without tamoxifen in patients with limited-stage small cell lung cancer: Cancer and Leukemia Group B Study (9235). Am J Clin Oncol. 2005 Feb;28(1):81-90. link to original article contains protocol PubMed
6. WJTOG 9902: Saito H, Takada Y, Ichinose Y, Eguchi K, Kudoh S, Matsui K, Nakagawa K, Takada M, Negoro S, Tamura K, Ando M, Tada T, Fukuoka M; West Japan Thoracic Oncology Group. Phase II study of etoposide and cisplatin with concurrent twice-daily thoracic radiotherapy followed by irinotecan and cisplatin in patients with limited-disease small-cell lung cancer: West Japan Thoracic Oncology Group 9902. J Clin Oncol. 2006 Nov 20;24(33):5247-52. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed
7. Sculier JP, Lafitte JJ, Efremidis A, Florin MC, Lecomte J, Berchier MC, Richez M, Berghmans T, Scherpereel A, Meert AP, Koumakis G, Leclercq N, Paesmans M, Van Houtte P; European Lung Cancer Working Party. A phase III randomised study of concomitant induction radiochemotherapy testing two modalities of radiosensitisation by cisplatin (standard versus daily) for limited small-cell lung cancer. Ann Oncol. 2008 Oct;19(10):1691-7. Epub 2008 May 25. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed
8. Sun JM, Ahn YC, Choi EK, Ahn MJ, Ahn JS, Lee SH, Lee DH, Pyo H, Song SY, Jung SH, Jo JS, Jo J, Sohn HJ, Suh C, Lee JS, Kim SW, Park K. Phase III trial of concurrent thoracic radiotherapy with either first- or third-cycle chemotherapy for limited-disease small-cell lung cancer. Ann Oncol. 2013 Aug;24(8):2088-92. Epub 2013 Apr 16. Erratum in: Ann Oncol. 2014 Aug;25(8):1672. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed
9. JCOG0202: Kubota K, Hida T, Ishikura S, Mizusawa J, Nishio M, Kawahara M, Yokoyama A, Imamura F, Takeda K, Negoro S, Harada M, Okamoto H, Yamamoto N, Shinkai T, Sakai H, Matsui K, Nakagawa K, Shibata T, Saijo N, Tamura T; JCOG. Etoposide and cisplatin versus irinotecan and cisplatin in patients with limited-stage small-cell lung cancer treated with etoposide and cisplatin plus concurrent accelerated hyperfractionated thoracic radiotherapy (JCOG0202): a randomised phase 3 study. Lancet Oncol. 2014 Jan;15(1):106-13. Epub 2013 Dec 3. link to original article contains protocol PubMed
10. CONVERT: Faivre-Finn C, Snee M, Ashcroft L, Appel W, Barlesi F, Bhatnagar A, Bezjak A, Cardenal F, Fournel P, Harden S, Le Pechoux C, McMenemin R, Mohammed N, O'Brien M, Pantarotto J, Surmont V, Van Meerbeeck JP, Woll PJ, Lorigan P, Blackhall F; CONVERT Study Team. Concurrent once-daily versus twice-daily chemoradiotherapy in patients with limited-stage small-cell lung cancer (CONVERT): an open-label, phase 3, randomised, superiority trial. Lancet Oncol. 2017 Aug;18(8):1116-1125. Epub 2017 Jun 20. link to original article link to PMC article contains verified protocol PubMed NCT00433563

Limited stage, adjuvant therapy

Cisplatin & Etoposide (EP)

back to top

EP: Etoposide & Platinol (Cisplatin)

Regimen

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Kenmotsu et al. 2020 (JCOG1205/1206)	2013-2018	Phase III (C)	Cisplatin & Irinotecan	Did not meet primary endpoint of RFS

Preceding treatment

• Complete surgical resection

Chemotherapy

• Cisplatin (Platinol) 80 mg/m² IV once on day 1
• Etoposide (Vepesid) 100 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1 to 3

21-day cycle for up to 4 cycles

References

1. JCOG1205/1206: Kenmotsu H, Niho S, Tsuboi M, Wakabayashi M, Ishii G, Nakagawa K, Daga H, Tanaka H, Saito H, Aokage K, Takahashi T, Menju T, Kasai T, Yoshino I, Minato K, Okada M, Eba J, Asamura H, Ohe Y, Watanabe SI. Randomized Phase III Study of Irinotecan Plus Cisplatin Versus Etoposide Plus Cisplatin for Completely Resected High-Grade Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Lung: JCOG1205/1206. J Clin Oncol. 2020 Dec 20;38(36):4292-4301. Epub 2020 Nov 2. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed UMIN000010298

Limited stage, consolidation after upfront therapy

Cisplatin & Irinotecan (IC)

back to top

IP: Irinotecan, Platinol (Cisplatin)

Regimen

Study	Evidence
Saito et al. 2006 (WJTOG 9902)	Phase II

Preceding treatment

• Cisplatin, Etoposide, RT induction

Chemotherapy

• Cisplatin (Platinol) 60 mg/m² IV once on day 1
• Irinotecan (Camptosar) 60 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1, 8, 15

Supportive medications

• G-CSF (no additional details given) starting after day 4

28-day cycle for 3 cycles

Subsequent treatment

• Patients with complete or good partial responses: Prophylactic cranial irradiation

References

1. WJTOG 9902: Saito H, Takada Y, Ichinose Y, Eguchi K, Kudoh S, Matsui K, Nakagawa K, Takada M, Negoro S, Tamura K, Ando M, Tada T, Fukuoka M; West Japan Thoracic Oncology Group. Phase II study of etoposide and cisplatin with concurrent twice-daily thoracic radiotherapy followed by irinotecan and cisplatin in patients with limited-disease small-cell lung cancer: West Japan Thoracic Oncology Group 9902. J Clin Oncol. 2006 Nov 20;24(33):5247-52. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed

Radiation therapy

back to top

Regimen

Study	Evidence
Evans et al. 1985	Phase II

Preceding treatment

• EP x 6

Radiotherapy

• "Patients who did not have evidence of tumor spread beyond the mediastinum and/or ipsilateral supraclavicular notes" received thoracic radiation in 250 cGy fractions x 10 fractions (total dose: 25 Gy)

References

1. Evans WK, Shepherd FA, Feld R, Osoba D, Dang P, Deboer G. VP-16 and cisplatin as first-line therapy for small-cell lung cancer. J Clin Oncol. 1985 Nov;3(11):1471-7. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed
2. Lee SM, Woll PJ, Rudd R, Ferry D, O'Brien M, Middleton G, Spiro S, James L, Ali K, Jitlal M, Hackshaw A. Anti-angiogenic therapy using thalidomide combined with chemotherapy in small cell lung cancer: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2009 Aug 5;101(15):1049-57. Epub 2009 Jul 16. link to original article does not contain protocol PubMed

Whole brain irradiation

back to top

PCI: Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation

Regimen variant #1, 20 Gy

Study	Evidence
Cox et al. 1981	Non-randomized
Evans et al. 1985	Phase II
Skarlos et al. 2001	Non-randomized portion of RCT

Note: in Evans et al. 1985, the WB-XRT is given in-between cycles 3 & 4.

Preceding treatment

• Evans et al. 1985: EP x 3
• Skarlos et al. 2001: EP & early HTRT versus EP & late HTRT

Radiotherapy

• Whole brain irradiation, 4 Gy fractions once per day x 5 fractions (total dose: 20 Gy)

1-week course

Subsequent treatment

• Evans et al. 1985: EP x 3

Regimen variant #2, 24 Gy

Study	Evidence
Takada et al. 2002 (JCOG 9104)	Non-randomized portion of RCT

Preceding treatment

• EP & RT versus EP, then RT

Radiotherapy

• Whole brain irradiation, 1.5 Gy fractions given twice per day x 16 fractions (total dose: 24 Gy)

2-week course

Regimen variant #3, 25 Gy

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Turrisi et al. 1999 (Intergroup 0096)	1989-1992	Non-randomized portion of RCT
Le Péchoux et al. 2009 (PCI 99-01/EORTC 22003-08004/RTOG 0212/IFCT 99-01)	1999-2005	Phase III (C)	PCI x 36 Gy	Did not meet primary endpoint of incidence of brain metastases at 2 years
Saito et al. 2006 (WJTOG 9902)	2000-2002	Phase II

Preceding treatment

• Intergroup 0096: EP & once-daily RT versus EP & twice-daily RT
• WJTOG 9902: EP & RT, then IP x 3

Radiotherapy

• Whole brain irradiation, 2.5 Gy fractions x 10 fractions (total dose: 25 Gy)

2-week course

Regimen variant #4, 30 Gy

Study	Evidence
Sundstrøm et al. 2002	Non-randomized portion of RCT

Preceding treatment

• CEV & RT versus EP & RT

Radiotherapy

• Whole brain irradiation, 2 Gy fractions once per day x 15 fractions (total dose: 30 Gy)

3-week course

References

1. Cox JD, Stanley K, Petrovich Z, Paig C, Yesner R. Cranial irradiation in cancer of the lung of all cell types. JAMA. 1981 Feb 6;245(5):469-72. link to original article PubMed
2. Evans WK, Shepherd FA, Feld R, Osoba D, Dang P, Deboer G. VP-16 and cisplatin as first-line therapy for small-cell lung cancer. J Clin Oncol. 1985 Nov;3(11):1471-7. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed
3. Intergroup 0096: Turrisi AT 3rd, Kim K, Blum R, Sause WT, Livingston RB, Komaki R, Wagner H, Aisner S, Johnson DH. Twice-daily compared with once-daily thoracic radiotherapy in limited small-cell lung cancer treated concurrently with cisplatin and etoposide. N Engl J Med. 1999 Jan 28;340(4):265-71. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed
4. Meta-analysis: Aupérin A, Arriagada R, Pignon JP, Le Péchoux C, Gregor A, Stephens RJ, Kristjansen PE, Johnson BE, Ueoka H, Wagner H, Aisner J; Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation Overview Collaborative Group. Prophylactic cranial irradiation for patients with small-cell lung cancer in complete remission. N Engl J Med. 1999 Aug 12;341(7):476-84. link to original article PubMed
5. JCOG 9104: Takada M, Fukuoka M, Kawahara M, Sugiura T, Yokoyama A, Yokota S, Nishiwaki Y, Watanabe K, Noda K, Tamura T, Fukuda H, Saijo N. Phase III study of concurrent versus sequential thoracic radiotherapy in combination with cisplatin and etoposide for limited-stage small-cell lung cancer: results of the Japan Clinical Oncology Group Study 9104. J Clin Oncol. 2002 Jul 15;20(14):3054-60. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed content property of HemOnc.org
6. Sundstrøm S, Bremnes RM, Kaasa S, Aasebø U, Hatlevoll R, Dahle R, Boye N, Wang M, Vigander T, Vilsvik J, Skovlund E, Hannisdal E, Aamdal S; Norwegian Lung Cancer Study Group. Cisplatin and etoposide regimen is superior to cyclophosphamide, epirubicin, and vincristine regimen in small-cell lung cancer: results from a randomized phase III trial with 5 years' follow-up. J Clin Oncol. 2002 Dec 15;20(24):4665-72. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed
7. WJTOG 9902: Saito H, Takada Y, Ichinose Y, Eguchi K, Kudoh S, Matsui K, Nakagawa K, Takada M, Negoro S, Tamura K, Ando M, Tada T, Fukuoka M; West Japan Thoracic Oncology Group. Phase II study of etoposide and cisplatin with concurrent twice-daily thoracic radiotherapy followed by irinotecan and cisplatin in patients with limited-disease small-cell lung cancer: West Japan Thoracic Oncology Group 9902. J Clin Oncol. 2006 Nov 20;24(33):5247-52. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed
8. PCI 99-01/EORTC 22003-08004/RTOG 0212/IFCT 99-01: Le Péchoux C, Dunant A, Senan S, Wolfson A, Quoix E, Faivre-Finn C, Ciuleanu T, Arriagada R, Jones R, Wanders R, Lerouge D, Laplanche A; Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation (PCI) Collaborative Group. Standard-dose versus higher-dose prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) in patients with limited-stage small-cell lung cancer in complete remission after chemotherapy and thoracic radiotherapy (PCI 99-01, EORTC 22003-08004, RTOG 0212, and IFCT 99-01): a randomised clinical trial. Lancet Oncol. 2009 May;10(5):467-74. Epub 2009 Apr 20. link to original article PubMed NCT00005062

Extensive stage, induction

Belotecan & Cisplatin

back to top

BP: Belotecan and Platinol (Cisplatin)

Regimen

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Oh et al. 2016 (COMBAT)	2009-2013	Phase III (E-switch-ic)	EP 60/100	Non-inferior RR

Note: the total number of planned cycles is not described in the manuscript; total duration information here was provided by the authors.

Chemotherapy

• Belotecan (Camptobell) 0.5 mg/m² IV over 30 minutes once per day on days 1 to 4
• Cisplatin (Platinol) 60 mg/m² IV once on day 1

21-day cycle for 4 to 8 cycles

References

1. COMBAT: Oh IJ, Kim KS, Park CK, Kim YC, Lee KH, Jeong JH, Kim SY, Lee JE, Shin KC, Jang TW, Lee HK, Lee KY, Lee SY. Belotecan/cisplatin versus etoposide/cisplatin in previously untreated patients with extensive-stage small cell lung carcinoma: a multi-center randomized phase III trial. BMC Cancer. 2016 Aug 26;16:690. link to original article link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed NCT00826644

Carboplatin & Etoposide (CE)

back to top

CE: Carboplatin & Etoposide
EP: Etoposide & Paraplatin (Carboplatin)
EC: Etoposide & Carboplatin
Ca/E: Carboplatin & Etoposide

Regimen variant #1, AUC 4/600, PO etoposide

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Hermes et al. 2008	2001-2005	Phase III (C)	IC	Seems to have inferior OS

Chemotherapy

• Carboplatin (Paraplatin) AUC 4 (Chatelut formula) IV once on day 1
• Etoposide (Vepesid) 120 mg/m² PO once per day on days 1 to 5

21-day cycle for 4 cycles

Regimen variant #2, AUC 5/240

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Okamoto et al. 2007 (JCOG 9702)	1998-2004	Phase III (E-switch-ic)	EP; split-dose	Did not meet primary endpoint of OS
Sekine et al. 2013 (D0702002)	2006-2007	Phase III (C)	Amrubicin	Inconclusive whether non-inferior OS

Chemotherapy

• Carboplatin (Paraplatin) AUC 5 IV once on day 1
• Etoposide (Vepesid) 80 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1 to 3

Supportive medications

• JCOG 9702: G-CSF

21-day cycle for 4 to 6 cycles

Regimen variant #3, AUC 5/300

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Socinski et al. 2009 (JMHO)	2006-2007	Phase III (C)	Carboplatin & Pemetrexed	Superior OS
Spigel et al. 2011 (SALUTE)	2007-2008	Randomized Phase II (C)	Carboplatin, Etoposide, Bevacizumab	Seems to have inferior PFS
Ready et al. 2015 (CALGB 30504)	2007-2011	Non-randomized portion of RCT
Reck et al. 2016 (CA184-156)	2012-2014	Phase III (C)	CE & Ipilimumab	Did not meet primary endpoint of OS
Jalal et al. 2017 (MATISSE)	2012-2013	Randomized Phase II (C)	PaCE	Might have superior OS
Horn et al. 2018 (IMpower133)	2016-2017	Phase III (C)	CE & Atezolizumab	Seems to have inferior OS1
Paz-Ares et al. 2019 (CASPIAN)	2017-2018	Phase III (C)	CE & Durvalumab, then Durvalumab maint.	Inferior OS
Rudin et al. 2020 (KEYNOTE-604)	2017-2018	Phase III (C)	1. CE & Pembrolizumab 2. EP & Pembrolizumab	Inferior PFS

¹Reported efficacy for IMpower133 is based on the 2020 update.
Note: CASPIAN gave a range of dosing; see paper for details.

Chemotherapy

• Carboplatin (Paraplatin) AUC 5 IV once on day 1
• Etoposide (Vepesid) 100 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1 to 3

Supportive medications

• Socinksi et al. 2009: "supportive therapies, such as erythropoietic agents or granulocyte colony-stimulating factors, were administered according to the American Society of Clinical Oncology guidelines"

21-day cycle for 4 to 6 cycles

Subsequent treatment

• CALGB 30504, SD or better: Observation versus sunitinib maintenance

Regimen variant #4, AUC 5 or 6/360

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Seckl et al. 2017 (LUNGSTAR)	2007-2012	Phase III (C)	CE & Pravastatin	Did not meet primary endpoint of OS

Chemotherapy

• Carboplatin (Paraplatin) AUC 5 or 6 (maximum dose of 1000 mg) IV once on day 1
  • AUC 5 is used if eGFR calculated by EDTA; AUC 6 is used if eGFR calculated by Cockcroft Gault. If eGFR greater than 130 mL/min/1.73m², dose calculation to be capped at GFR = 130 mL/min/1.73m²
• Etoposide (Vepesid) 120 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1 to 3

21-day cycle for 6 cycles

Regimen variant #5, AUC 5/420

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Heigener et al. 2009	2000-2003	Phase III (C)	CE; dose-intense	Did not meet primary endpoint of OS
Schmittel et al. 2006	2002-2008	Randomized Phase II (E-switch-ic)	IP	Might have inferior OS

Chemotherapy

• Carboplatin (Paraplatin) AUC 5 IV over 60 minutes once on day 1
• Etoposide (Vepesid) 140 mg/m² IV over 90 minutes once per day on days 1 to 3

Supportive medications

• 5-HT3 antagonist IV once per day on days 1 to 3, prior to chemotherapy
• Loperamide (Imodium) 4 mg PO prn first episode of diarrhea, then 2 mg PO Q2H until diarrhea stops

21- to 28-day cycle for up to 6 cycles

Regimen variant #6, AUC 5 or 6/440, 1 day of oral etoposide per cycle

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Lee et al. 2009a	2003-2006	Phase III (C)	CE & Thalidomide	Did not meet primary endpoint of OS
Seckl et al. 2017 (LUNGSTAR)	2007-2012	Phase III (C)	CE & Pravastatin	Did not meet primary endpoint of OS

Chemotherapy

• Carboplatin (Paraplatin) AUC 5 or 6 (maximum dose of 1000 mg) IV once on day 1
  • Lee et al. 2009a: AUC 5 is used
  • LUNGSTAR: AUC 5 is used if eGFR calculated by EDTA; AUC 6 is used if eGFR calculated by Cockcroft Gault. If eGFR greater than 130 mL/min/1.73m², dose calculation to be capped at GFR = mL/min/1.73m²
• Etoposide (Vepesid) 120 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1 & 2, then 100 mg PO twice per day on day 3

21-day cycle for up to 6 cycles

Regimen variant #7, AUC 5 or 6/520, 2 days of oral etoposide per cycle

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Lee et al. 2009a	2003-2006	Phase III (C)	CE & Thalidomide	Did not meet primary endpoint of OS
Seckl et al. 2017 (LUNGSTAR)	2007-2012	Phase III (C)	CE & Pravastatin	Did not meet primary endpoint of OS

Chemotherapy

• Carboplatin (Paraplatin) AUC 5 or 6 (maximum dose of 1000 mg) IV once on day 1
  • Lee et al. 2009a: AUC 5 is used
  • LUNGSTAR: AUC 5 is used if eGFR calculated by EDTA; AUC 6 is used if eGFR calculated by Cockcroft Gault. If eGFR greater than 130 mL/min/1.73m², dose calculation to be capped at GFR = mL/min/1.73m²
• Etoposide (Vepesid) 120 mg/m² IV once on day 1, then 100 mg PO twice per day on days 2 & 3

21-day cycle for up to 6 cycles

Regimen variant #8, AUC 5/300, 28-day cycles

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence
Okamoto et al. 1999	1995-1996	Phase II
Quoix et al. 2001	1997-1999	Phase II

Patients in Okamoto et al. 1999 and Quoix et al. 2001 were greater than or equal to 70 years old.

Chemotherapy

• Carboplatin (Paraplatin) AUC 5 IV over 60 minutes once on day 1, given first
• Etoposide (Vepesid) 100 mg/m² IV over 60 minutes once per day on days 1 to 3, given second

Supportive medications

• Dexamethasone (Decadron) 8 mg IV once per day on days 1 to 3, prior to chemotherapy
• Granisetron 40 mcg/kg IV once per day on days 1 to 3, prior to chemotherapy
• Okamoto et al. 1999: G-CSF (type not specified) 2 mcg/kg SC given for grade 3 or greater leukopenia/neutropenia
• Quiox et al. 2001: "Haematopoietic growth factors were allowed as prophylactic or curative treatment only if grade 4 neutropenia greater than 7 days occurred"

28-day cycle for 4 to 6 cycles

Subsequent treatment

• Palliative radiation therapy was allowed to control persistent pain from bony metastases

References

1. Okamoto H, Watanabe K, Nishiwaki Y, Mori K, Kurita Y, Hayashi I, Masutani M, Nakata K, Tsuchiya S, Isobe H, Saijo N. Phase II study of area under the plasma-concentration-versus-time curve-based carboplatin plus standard-dose intravenous etoposide in elderly patients with small-cell lung cancer. J Clin Oncol. 1999 Nov;17(11):3540-5. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed
2. Quoix E, Breton JL, Daniel C, Jacoulet P, Debieuvre D, Paillot N, Kessler R, Moreau L, Coëtmeur D, Lemarié E, Milleron B. Etoposide phosphate with carboplatin in the treatment of elderly patients with small-cell lung cancer: a phase II study. Ann Oncol. 2001 Jul;12(7):957-62. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed
3. Schmittel A, Fischer von Weikersthal L, Sebastian M, Martus P, Schulze K, Hortig P, Reeb M, Thiel E, Keilholz U. A randomized phase II trial of irinotecan plus carboplatin versus etoposide plus carboplatin treatment in patients with extended disease small-cell lung cancer. Ann Oncol. 2006 Apr;17(4):663-7. Epub 2006 Jan 19. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed
   1. Update: Schmittel A, Sebastian M, Fischer von Weikersthal L, Martus P, Gauler TC, Kaufmann C, Hortig P, Fischer JR, Link H, Binder D, Fischer B, Caca K, Eberhardt WE, Keilholz U; Arbeitsgemeinschaft Internistische Onkologie Thoracic Oncology Study Group. A German multicenter, randomized phase III trial comparing irinotecan-carboplatin with etoposide-carboplatin as first-line therapy for extensive-disease small-cell lung cancer. Ann Oncol. 2011 Aug;22(8):1798-804. Epub 2011 Jan 25. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed
4. JCOG 9702: Okamoto H, Watanabe K, Kunikane H, Yokoyama A, Kudoh S, Asakawa T, Shibata T, Kunitoh H, Tamura T, Saijo N. Randomised phase III trial of carboplatin plus etoposide vs split doses of cisplatin plus etoposide in elderly or poor-risk patients with extensive disease small-cell lung cancer: JCOG 9702. Br J Cancer. 2007 Jul 16;97(2):162-9. Epub 2007 Jun 19. link to original article link to PMC article contains protocol PubMed
5. Hermes A, Bergman B, Bremnes R, Ek L, Fluge S, Sederholm C, Sundstrøm S, Thaning L, Vilsvik J, Aasebø U, Sörenson S. Irinotecan plus carboplatin versus oral etoposide plus carboplatin in extensive small-cell lung cancer: a randomized phase III trial. J Clin Oncol. 2008 Sep 10;26(26):4261-7. link to original article contains protocol PubMed
6. Heigener DF, Manegold C, Jäger E, Saal JG, Zuna I, Gatzemeier U. Multicenter randomized open-label phase III study comparing efficacy, safety, and tolerability of conventional carboplatin plus etoposide versus dose-intensified carboplatin plus etoposide plus lenograstim in small-cell lung cancer in "extensive disease" stage. Am J Clin Oncol. 2009 Feb;32(1):61-4. link to original article contains protocol PubMed
7. Lee SM, Woll PJ, Rudd R, Ferry D, O'Brien M, Middleton G, Spiro S, James L, Ali K, Jitlal M, Hackshaw A. Anti-angiogenic therapy using thalidomide combined with chemotherapy in small cell lung cancer: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2009 Aug 5;101(15):1049-57. Epub 2009 Jul 16. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed
8. JMHO: Socinski MA, Smit EF, Lorigan P, Konduri K, Reck M, Szczesna A, Blakely J, Serwatowski P, Karaseva NA, Ciuleanu T, Jassem J, Dediu M, Hong S, Visseren-Grul C, Hanauske AR, Obasaju CK, Guba SC, Thatcher N. Phase III study of pemetrexed plus carboplatin compared with etoposide plus carboplatin in chemotherapy-naive patients with extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2009 Oct 1;27(28):4787-92. Epub 2009 Aug 31. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed NCT00363415
9. SALUTE: Spigel DR, Townley PM, Waterhouse DM, Fang L, Adiguzel I, Huang JE, Karlin DA, Faoro L, Scappaticci FA, Socinski MA. Randomized phase II study of bevacizumab in combination with chemotherapy in previously untreated extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer: results from the SALUTE trial. J Clin Oncol. 2011 Jun 1;29(16):2215-22. Epub 2011 Apr 18. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed NCT00403403
10. D0702002: Sekine I, Okamoto H, Horai T, Nakagawa K, Ohmatsu H, Yokoyama A, Katakami N, Shibuya M, Saijo N, Fukuoka M. A randomized phase III study of single-agent amrubicin vs carboplatin/etoposide in elderly patients with extensive-disease small-cell lung cancer. Clin Lung Cancer. 2014 Mar;15(2):96-102. Epub 2013 Nov 14. link to original article contains protocol PubMed NCT00286169
11. CALGB 30504: Ready NE, Pang HH, Gu L, Otterson GA, Thomas SP, Miller AA, Baggstrom M, Masters GA, Graziano SL, Crawford J, Bogart J, Vokes EE. Chemotherapy with or without maintenance sunitinib for untreated extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase II study-CALGB 30504 (Alliance). J Clin Oncol. 2015 May 20;33(15):1660-5. Epub 2015 Mar 2. link to original article link to PMC article contains verified protocol PubMed
12. CA184-156: Reck M, Luft A, Szczesna A, Havel L, Kim SW, Akerley W, Pietanza MC, Wu YL, Zielinski C, Thomas M, Felip E, Gold K, Horn L, Aerts J, Nakagawa K, Lorigan P, Pieters A, Kong Sanchez T, Fairchild J, Spigel D. Phase III randomized trial of ipilimumab plus etoposide and platinum versus placebo plus etoposide and platinum in extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2016 Nov 1;34(31):3740-3748. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed NCT01450761
13. LUNGSTAR: Seckl MJ, Ottensmeier CH, Cullen M, Schmid P, Ngai Y, Muthukumar D, Thompson J, Harden S, Middleton G, Fife KM, Crosse B, Taylor P, Nash S, Hackshaw A. Multicenter, phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of pravastatin added to first-line standard chemotherapy in small-cell lung cancer (LUNGSTAR). J Clin Oncol. 2017 May 10;35(14):1506-1514. Epub 2017 Feb 27. link to original article contains verified protocol link to PMC article PubMed NCT00433498
14. MATISSE: Jalal SI, Lavin P, Lo G, Lebel F, Einhorn L. Carboplatin and etoposide with or without palifosfamide in untreated extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer: A multicenter, adaptive, randomized phase III study (MATISSE). J Clin Oncol. 2017 Aug 10;35(23):2619-2623. Epub 2017 Jun 12. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed NCT01555710
15. IMpower133: Horn L, Mansfield AS, Szczęsna A, Havel L, Krzakowski M, Hochmair MJ, Huemer F, Losonczy G, Johnson ML, Nishio M, Reck M, Mok T, Lam S, Shames DS, Liu J, Ding B, Lopez-Chavez A, Kabbinavar F, Lin W, Sandler A, Liu SV; IMpower133 Study Group. First-line atezolizumab plus chemotherapy in extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer. N Engl J Med. 2018 Dec 6;379(23):2220-2229. Epub 2018 Sep 25. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed NCT02763579
    1. Update: Liu SV, Reck M, Mansfield AS, Mok T, Scherpereel A, Reinmuth N, Garassino MC, De Castro Carpeno J, Califano R, Nishio M, Orlandi F, Alatorre-Alexander J, Leal T, Cheng Y, Lee JS, Lam S, McCleland M, Deng Y, Phan S, Horn L. Updated Overall Survival and PD-L1 Subgroup Analysis of Patients With Extensive-Stage Small-Cell Lung Cancer Treated With Atezolizumab, Carboplatin, and Etoposide (IMpower133). J Clin Oncol. 2021 Feb 20;39(6):619-630. Epub 2021 Jan 13. link to original article PubMed
16. CASPIAN: Paz-Ares L, Dvorkin M, Chen Y, Reinmuth N, Hotta K, Trukhin D, Statsenko G, Hochmair MJ, Özgüroğlu M, Ji JH, Voitko O, Poltoratskiy A, Ponce S, Verderame F, Havel L, Bondarenko I, Kazarnowicz A, Losonczy G, Conev NV, Armstrong J, Byrne N, Shire N, Jiang H, Goldman JW; CASPIAN investigators. Durvalumab plus platinum-etoposide versus platinum-etoposide in first-line treatment of extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (CASPIAN): a randomised, controlled, open-label, phase 3 trial. Lancet. 2019 Nov 23;394(10212):1929-1939. Epub 2019 Oct 4. link to original article PubMed NCT03043872
    1. Update: Goldman JW, Dvorkin M, Chen Y, Reinmuth N, Hotta K, Trukhin D, Statsenko G, Hochmair MJ, Özgüroğlu M, Ji JH, Garassino MC, Voitko O, Poltoratskiy A, Ponce S, Verderame F, Havel L, Bondarenko I, Każarnowicz A, Losonczy G, Conev NV, Armstrong J, Byrne N, Thiyagarajah P, Jiang H, Paz-Ares L; CASPIAN investigators. Durvalumab, with or without tremelimumab, plus platinum-etoposide versus platinum-etoposide alone in first-line treatment of extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (CASPIAN): updated results from a randomised, controlled, open-label, phase 3 trial. Lancet Oncol. 2021 Jan;22(1):51-65. Epub 2020 Dec 4. link to original article PubMed
17. KEYNOTE-604: Rudin CM, Awad MM, Navarro A, Gottfried M, Peters S, Csőszi T, Cheema PK, Rodriguez-Abreu D, Wollner M, Yang JC, Mazieres J, Orlandi FJ, Luft A, Gümüş M, Kato T, Kalemkerian GP, Luo Y, Ebiana V, Pietanza MC, Kim HR; KEYNOTE-604 Investigators. Pembrolizumab or Placebo Plus Etoposide and Platinum as First-Line Therapy for Extensive-Stage Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Randomized, Double-Blind, Phase III KEYNOTE-604 Study. J Clin Oncol. 2020 Jul 20;38(21):2369-2379. Epub 2020 May 29. link to original article link to PMC article contains verified protocol PubMed NCT03066778

Carboplatin & Etoposide (CE) & Atezolizumab

back to top

CE & Atezolizumab: Carboplatin, Etoposide, Atezolizumab

Regimen

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Horn et al. 2018 (IMpower133)	2016-2017	Phase III (E-RT-esc)	CE	Seems to have superior OS1 (HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.60-0.95)

¹Reported efficacy for IMpower133 is based on the 2020 update.

Chemotherapy

• Carboplatin (Paraplatin) as follows:
  • Cycles 1 to 4: AUC 5 IV once on day 1
• Etoposide (Vepesid) as follows:
  • Cycles 1 to 4: 100 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1 to 3

Immunotherapy

• Atezolizumab (Tecentriq) 1200 mg IV once on day 1

21-day cycles

References

1. IMpower133: Horn L, Mansfield AS, Szczęsna A, Havel L, Krzakowski M, Hochmair MJ, Huemer F, Losonczy G, Johnson ML, Nishio M, Reck M, Mok T, Lam S, Shames DS, Liu J, Ding B, Lopez-Chavez A, Kabbinavar F, Lin W, Sandler A, Liu SV; IMpower133 Study Group. First-line atezolizumab plus chemotherapy in extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer. N Engl J Med. 2018 Dec 6;379(23):2220-2229. Epub 2018 Sep 25. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed NCT02763579
   1. Update: Liu SV, Reck M, Mansfield AS, Mok T, Scherpereel A, Reinmuth N, Garassino MC, De Castro Carpeno J, Califano R, Nishio M, Orlandi F, Alatorre-Alexander J, Leal T, Cheng Y, Lee JS, Lam S, McCleland M, Deng Y, Phan S, Horn L. Updated Overall Survival and PD-L1 Subgroup Analysis of Patients With Extensive-Stage Small-Cell Lung Cancer Treated With Atezolizumab, Carboplatin, and Etoposide (IMpower133). J Clin Oncol. 2021 Feb 20;39(6):619-630. Epub 2021 Jan 13. link to original article PubMed

Carboplatin, Etoposide, Bevacizumab

back to top

Regimen

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Spigel et al. 2011 (SALUTE)	2007-2008	Randomized Phase II (E-esc)	CE	Seems to have superior PFS

Chemotherapy

• Carboplatin (Paraplatin) AUC 5 IV once on day 1
• Etoposide (Vepesid) 100 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1 to 3

Targeted therapy

• Bevacizumab (Avastin) 15 mg/kg IV once on day 1

21-day cycle for 4 cycles

Subsequent treatment

• Bevacizumab maintenance

References

1. SALUTE: Spigel DR, Townley PM, Waterhouse DM, Fang L, Adiguzel I, Huang JE, Karlin DA, Faoro L, Scappaticci FA, Socinski MA. Randomized phase II study of bevacizumab in combination with chemotherapy in previously untreated extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer: results from the SALUTE trial. J Clin Oncol. 2011 Jun 1;29(16):2215-22. Epub 2011 Apr 18. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed NCT00403403

Carboplatin, Etoposide, Durvalumab

back to top

Regimen

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Paz-Ares et al. 2019 (CASPIAN)	2017-2018	Phase III (E-RT-esc)	CE	Superior OS

Chemotherapy

• Carboplatin (Paraplatin) AUC 5 to 6 IV once on day 1
• Etoposide (Vepesid) 80 to 100 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1 to 3
• Durvalumab (Imfinzi) 1500 mg IV once on day 1

21-day cycle for 4 cycles

Subsequent treatment

• Durvalumab maintenance

References

1. CASPIAN: Paz-Ares L, Dvorkin M, Chen Y, Reinmuth N, Hotta K, Trukhin D, Statsenko G, Hochmair MJ, Özgüroğlu M, Ji JH, Voitko O, Poltoratskiy A, Ponce S, Verderame F, Havel L, Bondarenko I, Kazarnowicz A, Losonczy G, Conev NV, Armstrong J, Byrne N, Shire N, Jiang H, Goldman JW; CASPIAN investigators. Durvalumab plus platinum-etoposide versus platinum-etoposide in first-line treatment of extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (CASPIAN): a randomised, controlled, open-label, phase 3 trial. Lancet. 2019 Nov 23;394(10212):1929-1939. Epub 2019 Oct 4. link to original article PubMed NCT03043872
   1. Update: Goldman JW, Dvorkin M, Chen Y, Reinmuth N, Hotta K, Trukhin D, Statsenko G, Hochmair MJ, Özgüroğlu M, Ji JH, Garassino MC, Voitko O, Poltoratskiy A, Ponce S, Verderame F, Havel L, Bondarenko I, Każarnowicz A, Losonczy G, Conev NV, Armstrong J, Byrne N, Thiyagarajah P, Jiang H, Paz-Ares L; CASPIAN investigators. Durvalumab, with or without tremelimumab, plus platinum-etoposide versus platinum-etoposide alone in first-line treatment of extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (CASPIAN): updated results from a randomised, controlled, open-label, phase 3 trial. Lancet Oncol. 2021 Jan;22(1):51-65. Epub 2020 Dec 4. link to original article PubMed

Carboplatin & Irinotecan

back to top

IC: Irinotecan & Carboplatin
IP: Irinotecan & Paraplatin (Carboplatin)

Regimen variant #1, AUC 4/175

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Hermes et al. 2008	2001-2005	Phase III (E-switch-ic)	CE	Seems to have superior OS

Chemotherapy

• Carboplatin (Paraplatin) AUC 4 (Chatelut formula) IV once on day 1
• Irinotecan (Camptosar) 175 mg/m² IV once on day 1

21-day cycle for 4 cycles

Regimen variant #2, AUC 5/150

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Schmittel et al. 2006	2002-2008	Randomized Phase II (E-switch-ic)	CE	Might have superior OS

Chemotherapy

• Carboplatin (Paraplatin) AUC 5 IV over 60 minutes once on day 1
• Irinotecan (Camptosar) 50 mg/m² IV over 30 minutes once per day on days 1, 8, 15

Supportive medications

• 5-HT3 antagonist IV once per day on days 1, 8, 15, prior to chemotherapy
• Loperamide (Imodium) 4 mg PO prn first episode of diarrhea, then 2 mg PO Q2H until diarrhea stops

28-day cycle for up to 6 cycles

References

1. Schmittel A, Fischer von Weikersthal L, Sebastian M, Martus P, Schulze K, Hortig P, Reeb M, Thiel E, Keilholz U. A randomized phase II trial of irinotecan plus carboplatin versus etoposide plus carboplatin treatment in patients with extended disease small-cell lung cancer. Ann Oncol. 2006 Apr;17(4):663-7. Epub 2006 Jan 19. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed
   1. Update: Schmittel A, Sebastian M, Fischer von Weikersthal L, Martus P, Gauler TC, Kaufmann C, Hortig P, Fischer JR, Link H, Binder D, Fischer B, Caca K, Eberhardt WE, Keilholz U; Arbeitsgemeinschaft Internistische Onkologie Thoracic Oncology Study Group. A German multicenter, randomized phase III trial comparing irinotecan-carboplatin with etoposide-carboplatin as first-line therapy for extensive-disease small-cell lung cancer. Ann Oncol. 2011 Aug;22(8):1798-804. Epub 2011 Jan 25. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed
2. Hermes A, Bergman B, Bremnes R, Ek L, Fluge S, Sederholm C, Sundstrøm S, Thaning L, Vilsvik J, Aasebø U, Sörenson S. Irinotecan plus carboplatin versus oral etoposide plus carboplatin in extensive small-cell lung cancer: a randomized phase III trial. J Clin Oncol. 2008 Sep 10;26(26):4261-7. link to original article contains protocol PubMed

Carboplatin, Paclitaxel, Ipilimumab

back to top

Regimen variant #1, phased ipilimumab

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Reck et al. 2012 (CA184-041)	2008-2009	Randomized Phase II (E-esc)	1. Carboplatin & Paclitaxel	Seems to have superior irPFS
			2. Carboplatin, Paclitaxel, concurrent Ipilimumab	Not reported

Chemotherapy

• Carboplatin (Paraplatin) AUC 6 IV once on day 1
• Paclitaxel (Taxol) 175 mg/m² IV once on day 1

Immunotherapy

• Ipilimumab (Yervoy) as follows:
  • Cycles 1 & 2: no treatment
  • Cycles 3 to 6: 10 mg/kg IV once on day 1

21-day cycle for up to 6 cycles

Subsequent treatment

• Ipilimumab maintenance

Regimen variant #2, concurrent ipilimumab

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Reck et al. 2012 (CA184-041)	2008-2009	Randomized Phase II (E-esc)	1. Carboplatin & Paclitaxel	Did not meet secondary endpoints
			2. Carboplatin, Paclitaxel, phased Ipilimumab	Not reported

Note: all efficacy endpoints in the ED-SCLC cohort were secondary.

Chemotherapy

• Carboplatin (Paraplatin) AUC 6 IV once on day 1
• Paclitaxel (Taxol) 175 mg/m² IV once on day 1

Immunotherapy

• Ipilimumab (Yervoy) as follows:
  • Cycles 1 to 4: 10 mg/kg IV once on day 1
  • Cycles 5 & 6: no treatment

21-day cycle for up to 6 cycles

Subsequent treatment

• Ipilimumab maintenance

References

1. CA184-041: Reck M, Bondarenko I, Luft A, Serwatowski P, Barlesi F, Chacko R, Sebastian M, Lu H, Cuillerot JM, Lynch TJ. Ipilimumab in combination with paclitaxel and carboplatin as first-line therapy in extensive-disease-small-cell lung cancer: results from a randomized, double-blind, multicenter phase 2 trial. Ann Oncol. 2013 Jan;24(1):75-83. Epub 2012 Aug 2. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed NCT00527735

Cisplatin & Etoposide (EP)

back to top

EP: Etoposide and Platinol (Cisplatin)
PE: Platinol (Cisplatin) and Etoposide

Regimen variant #1, 60/300

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Oh et al. 2016 (COMBAT)	2009-2013	Phase III (C)	BP	Non-inferior RR

Note: the total number of planned cycles is not described in the manuscript; total duration information here was provided by the authors.

Chemotherapy

• Cisplatin (Platinol) 60 mg/m² IV once on day 1
• Etoposide (Vepesid) 100 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1 to 3

21-day cycle for 4 to 8 cycles

Regimen variant #2, 60/360

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Hanna et al. 2006	2000-2003	Phase III (C)	Cisplatin & Irinotecan	Did not meet primary endpoint of OS
Seckl et al. 2017 (LUNGSTAR)	2007-2012	Phase III (C)	EP & Pravastatin	Did not meet primary endpoint of OS

Chemotherapy

• Cisplatin (Platinol) 60 mg/m² IV once on day 1
• Etoposide (Vepesid) 120 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1 to 3

Supportive medications

• Per Hanna et al. 2006:
  • G-CSF used according to 1999 American Society of Clinical Oncology guidelines
  • "Erythropoietin was allowed at the discretion of the treating physician."

21-day cycle for 4 to 6 cycles

Regimen variant #3, 60/440, 1 day of oral etoposide per cycle

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Seckl et al. 2017 (LUNGSTAR)	2007-2012	Phase III (C)	EP & Pravastatin	Did not meet primary endpoint of OS

Chemotherapy

• Cisplatin (Platinol) 60 mg/m² IV once on day 1
• Etoposide (Vepesid) 120 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1 & 2, then 100 mg PO twice per day on day 3

21-day cycle for up to 6 cycles

Regimen variant #4, 60/520, 2 days of oral etoposide per cycle

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Seckl et al. 2017 (LUNGSTAR)	2007-2012	Phase III (C)	EP & Pravastatin	Did not meet primary endpoint of OS

Chemotherapy

• Cisplatin (Platinol) 60 mg/m² IV once on day 1
• Etoposide (Vepesid) 120 mg/m² IV once on day 1, then 100 mg PO twice per day on days 2 & 3

21-day cycle for up to 6 cycles

Regimen variant #5, 70/300

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Ruotsalainen et al. 1999	NR in abstract	Phase III (C)	EP & IFN-alpha	Did not meet endpoint of OS50%
Kim et al. 2018 (CRCST-L-0001)	2006-2011	Phase III (C)	Cisplatin & Irinotecan	Did not meet primary endpoint of OS

Chemotherapy

• Cisplatin (Platinol) 70 mg/m² IV once on day 1
• Etoposide (Vepesid) 100 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1 to 3

21-day cycle for up to 6 cycles

Regimen variant #6, 75/240, split cisplatin

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Okamoto et al. 2007 (JCOG 9702)	1998-2004	Phase III (C)	CE	Did not meet primary endpoint of OS

Chemotherapy

• Cisplatin (Platinol) 25 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1 to 3
• Etoposide (Vepesid) 80 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1 to 3

21- to 28-day cycle for 4 cycles

Regimen variant #7, 75/300

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Ignatiadis et al. 2005	2000-2003	Phase III (C)	EP/Topotecan	Did not meet primary endpoint of OS
Fink et al. 2012	2002-2006	Phase III (C)	1. Cisplatin & Topotecan	Non-inferior OS
			2. Etoposide & Topotecan	Not reported
Spigel et al. 2011 (SALUTE)	2007-2008	Randomized Phase II (C)	EP & Bevacizumab	Seems to have inferior PFS
Reck et al. 2016 (CA184-156)	2012-2014	Phase III (C)	EP & Ipilimumab	Did not meet primary endpoint of OS
Rudin et al. 2020 (KEYNOTE-604)	2017-2018	Phase III (C)	1. CE & Pembrolizumab 2. EP & Pembrolizumab	Inferior PFS

Chemotherapy

• Cisplatin (Platinol) 75 mg/m² IV once on day 1
• Etoposide (Vepesid) 100 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1 to 3

21-day cycle for 4 (SALUTE & KEYNOTE-604) or 6 (Fink et al. 2012 & CA184-156) cycles

Regimen variant #8, 75/300, split cisplatin

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Evans et al. 1985	1981-1984	Phase II
Tiseo et al. 2017 (GOIRC-AIFA FARM6PMFJM)	2009-2015	Phase III (C)	EP & Bevacizumab	Did not meet primary endpoint of OS

Note: in Evans et al. 1985, patients with disease responding to therapy received prophylactic cranial irradiation, 4 Gy fractions given daily x 5 fractions (total dose: 20 Gy) over 5 days between cycles 3 and 4; Locoregional radiation therapy was only used if symptoms persisted after 6 cycles of treatment: Radiation therapy, 250 cGy/rad fractions x 10 fractions (total dose: 2500 cGy/rad), given after cycle 6 of chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy

• Cisplatin (Platinol) 25 mg/m² IV slow push once per day on days 1 to 3, given second
• Etoposide (Vepesid) 100 mg/m² IV over at least 30 minutes once per day on days 1 to 3, given first

Supportive medications

• Dexamethasone (Decadron) 10 mg IV once per day on days 1 to 3, prior to chemotherapy
• Metoclopramide (Reglan) 10 mg IV or PO once per day on days 1 to 3, prior to chemotherapy
• Prochlorperazine (Compazine) 10 mg IM or PO once per day on days 1 to 3, prior to chemotherapy
• "No special efforts were made to hydrate the patients," though PO fluid intake was encouraged, and 500 mL normal saline was given with etoposide infusion.

21- to 28-day cycle for up to 6 cycles

Regimen variant #9, 75/390, split cisplatin

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Miller et al. 1995	1990-1993	Phase III (C)	EP; oral etoposide	Did not meet primary endpoint of OS

Chemotherapy

• Cisplatin (Platinol) 25 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1 to 3
• Etoposide (Vepesid) 130 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1 to 3

21-day cycle for 8 cycles

Regimen variant #10, 75/700, 3 days of oral etoposide per cycle

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Sundstrøm et al. 2002	1989-1994	Phase III (E-switch-ic)	CEV	Did not meet primary endpoint of OS

Note: Patients in Sundstrøm et al. 2002 with extensive stage disease did not routinely receive radiation therapy. "However, chest or cranial irradiation was optional if severe symptoms could not be palliated by chemotherapy."

Chemotherapy

• Cisplatin (Platinol) 75 mg/m² IV once on day 1
• Etoposide (Vepesid) 100 mg/m² IV once on day 1, then 200 mg/m² PO once per day on days 2 to 4, taken on an empty stomach

Supportive medications

• "Standard prehydration and posthydration procedures were followed in conjunction with cisplatin administration."

21-day cycle for up to 5 cycles

Regimen variant #11, 80/240

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Ihde et al. 1994	1983-1991	Phase III (C)	EP; high-dose	Did not meet primary endpoint of CR rate
Niell et al. 2005 (CALGB 9732)	1998-2001	Phase III (C)	PET (Etoposide)	Did not meet endpoints of FFS50%/OS50%

Note: Concurrent radiation therapy with the start of chemotherapy was given to patients with brain metastases, epidural metastases, and impending pathologic bone fractures.

Chemotherapy

• Cisplatin (Platinol) 80 mg/m² IV once on day 1
• Etoposide (Vepesid) 80 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1 to 3

Supportive medications

• "Half-normal saline was infused for 2 to 6 hours with Cisplatin (Platinol), usually in conjunction with a diuretic."
• Corticosteroids were usually given for patients receiving radiation therapy for brain and epidural metastases.

21-day cycle for 4 to 8 cycles

CNS therapy

• Patients with carcinomatous meningitis received Methotrexate (MTX) IT (dose/schedule not specified) and radiation to functionally compromised areas of the CNS

Subsequent treatment

• Ihde et al. 1994, CR after 4 cycles: an additional 4 cycles. Some patients were randomized to receive prophylactic cranial irradiation. Radiation could also be given at the patient's request. No details about dose/schedule given.
• Ihde et al. 1994, PR, no response, or progressive disease: Salvage CAV or "an individualized 3-drug in vitro-selected regimen (IVSR) during cycles 5 to 8 if drug-sensitivity testing data were available."

Regimen variant #12, 80/300

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Fukuoka et al. 1991 (JCOG8502)	1985-1988	Phase III (C)	1. CAV	Not reported
			2. CAV/PE	Might have inferior OS
Miyamoto et al. 1992	NR in abstract	Phase III (C)	PEI	Did not meet primary endpoint of OS
Noda et al. 2002 (JCOG 9511)	1995-1998	Phase III (C)	IP	Inferior OS
Eckardt et al. 2006	2001-2003	Phase III (C)	Cisplatin & Topotecan	Non-inferior OS
Lara et al. 2009 (SWOG S0124)	2002-2007	Phase III (C)	IP	Did not meet primary endpoint of OS
Baka et al. 2010	2002-2006	Phase III (C)	EP/T	Did not meet primary endpoint of OS
Zatloukal et al. 2010	2003-2007	Phase III (C)	IP	Non-inferior OS
Ready et al. 2015 (CALGB 30504)	2007-2011	Non-randomized portion of RCT
Sun et al. 2016 (D0750018)	2008-2010	Phase III (C)	Amrubicin & Cisplatin	Might have inferior OS

Chemotherapy

• Cisplatin (Platinol) 80 mg/m² IV once on day 1
• Etoposide (Vepesid) 100 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1 to 3
  • JCOG8502 & Miyamoto et al. 1992 gave etoposide on days 1, 3, 5

Supportive medications

• "Hydration and administration of antiemetic drugs."

21-day cycle for 4 to 6 cycles

Subsequent treatment

• Baka et al. 2010: Topotecan x 4
• CALGB 30504, SD or better: Observation versus sunitinib maintenance

Regimen variant #13, 80/400, split cisplatin

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Loehrer et al. 1995	1989-1993	Phase III (C)	VIP	Seems to have inferior OS

Chemotherapy

• Cisplatin (Platinol) 20 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1 to 4
• Etoposide (Vepesid) 100 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1 to 4

21-day cycle for 4 cycles

Regimen variant #14, 80/600, 2 days of oral etoposide per cycle

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Baka et al. 2008	1999-2005	Phase III (E-switch-ic)	ACE	Did not meet primary endpoint of OS12

Chemotherapy

• Cisplatin (Platinol) 80 mg/m² IV once on day 1
• Etoposide (Vepesid) 120 mg/m² IV once on day 1, then 240 mg/m²/day PO on days 2 & 3

21-day cycle for 6 cycles

Regimen variant #15, 100/300

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Artal-Cortés et al. 2004	1994-1998	Phase III (C)	Cisplatin & Epirubicin	Did not meet primary endpoint of OS
Pujol et al. 2001	1996-1999	Phase III (C)	PCDE	Inferior OS

Chemotherapy

• Cisplatin (Platinol) 100 mg/m² IV once on day 2
• Etoposide (Vepesid) 100 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1 to 3

21-day cycle for 6 cycles

Regimen variant #16, 100/400, split cisplatin

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Roth et al. 1992	1985-1989	Phase III (C)	1. CAV 2. CAV/PE	Did not meet primary endpoint of OS50%
Hainsworth et al. 1995	1992-1993	Randomized Phase II (E-RT-switch-ic)	Cisplatin & Etoposide	Did not meet efficacy endpoints

Chemotherapy

• Cisplatin (Platinol) 20 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1 to 5
• Etoposide (Vepesid) 80 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1 to 5

21-day cycle for 4 cycles

References

1. Evans WK, Shepherd FA, Feld R, Osoba D, Dang P, Deboer G. VP-16 and cisplatin as first-line therapy for small-cell lung cancer. J Clin Oncol. 1985 Nov;3(11):1471-7. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed
2. JCOG8502: Fukuoka M, Furuse K, Saijo N, Nishiwaki Y, Ikegami H, Tamura T, Shimoyama M, Suemasu K. Randomized trial of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and vincristine versus cisplatin and etoposide versus alternation of these regimens in small-cell lung cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst. 1991 Jun 19;83(12):855-61. link to original article contains protocol PubMed
3. Miyamoto H, Nakabayashi T, Isobe H, Akita H, Kawakami Y, Arimoto T, Asakawa M, Suzuki A, Fujikane T, Shimizu T, Sakai E. A phase III comparison of etoposide/cisplatin with or without added ifosfamide in small-cell lung cancer. Oncology. 1992;49(6):431-5. link to original article contains protocol PubMed
4. Roth BJ, Johnson DH, Einhorn LH, Schacter LP, Cherng NC, Cohen HJ, Crawford J, Randolph JA, Goodlow JL, Broun GO, Omura GA, Greco FA; Southeastern Cancer Study Group. Randomized study of cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and vincristine versus etoposide and cisplatin versus alternation of these two regimens in extensive small-cell lung cancer: a phase III trial of the Southeastern Cancer Study Group. J Clin Oncol. 1992 Feb;10(2):282-91. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed
5. Ihde DC, Mulshine JL, Kramer BS, Steinberg SM, Linnoila RI, Gazdar AF, Edison M, Phelps RM, Lesar M, Phares JC, Grayson J, Minna JD, Johnson BE. Prospective randomized comparison of high-dose and standard-dose etoposide and cisplatin chemotherapy in patients with extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer. J Clin Oncol. 1994 Oct;12(10):2022-34. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed
6. Hainsworth JD, Levitan N, Wampler GL, Belani CP, Seyedsadr MS, Randolph J, Schacter LP, Greco FA. Phase II randomized study of cisplatin plus etoposide phosphate or etoposide in the treatment of small-cell lung cancer. J Clin Oncol. 1995 Jun;13(6):1436-42. link to original article PubMed
7. Miller AA, Herndon JE 2nd, Hollis DR, Ellerton J, Langleben A, Richards F 2nd, Green MR; CALGB. Schedule dependency of 21-day oral versus 3-day intravenous etoposide in combination with intravenous cisplatin in extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer: a randomized phase III study of the Cancer and Leukemia Group B. J Clin Oncol. 1995 Aug;13(8):1871-9. link to original article contains protocol PubMed
8. Loehrer PJ Sr, Ansari R, Gonin R, Monaco F, Fisher W, Sandler A, Einhorn LH; Hoosier Oncology Group. Cisplatin plus etoposide with and without ifosfamide in extensive small-cell lung cancer: a Hoosier Oncology Group study. J Clin Oncol. 1995 Oct;13(10):2594-9. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed
9. Ruotsalainen TM, Halme M, Tamminen K, Szopinski J, Niiranen A, Pyrhönen S, Riska H, Maasilta P, Jekunen A, Mäntylä M, Kajanti M, Joensuu H, Sarna S, Cantell K, Mattson K. Concomitant chemotherapy and IFN-alpha for small cell lung cancer: a randomized multicenter phase III study. J Interferon Cytokine Res. 1999 Mar;19(3):253-9. link to original article contains protocol PubMed
10. Pujol JL, Daurès JP, Rivière A, Quoix E, Westeel V, Quantin X, Breton JL, Lemarié E, Poudenx M, Milleron B, Moro D, Debieuvre D, Le Chevalier T. Etoposide plus cisplatin with or without the combination of 4'-epidoxorubicin plus cyclophosphamide in treatment of extensive small-cell lung cancer: a French Federation of Cancer Institutes multicenter phase III randomized study. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2001 Feb 21;93(4):300-8. link to original article contains protocol PubMed
11. JCOG 9511: Noda K, Nishiwaki Y, Kawahara M, Negoro S, Sugiura T, Yokoyama A, Fukuoka M, Mori K, Watanabe K, Tamura T, Yamamoto S, Saijo N; JCOG. Irinotecan plus cisplatin compared with etoposide plus cisplatin for extensive small-cell lung cancer. N Engl J Med. 2002 Jan 10;346(2):85-91. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed
12. Sundstrøm S, Bremnes RM, Kaasa S, Aasebø U, Hatlevoll R, Dahle R, Boye N, Wang M, Vigander T, Vilsvik J, Skovlund E, Hannisdal E, Aamdal S; Norwegian Lung Cancer Study Group. Cisplatin and etoposide regimen is superior to cyclophosphamide, epirubicin, and vincristine regimen in small-cell lung cancer: results from a randomized phase III trial with 5 years' follow-up. J Clin Oncol. 2002 Dec 15;20(24):4665-72. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed
13. Artal-Cortés A, Gomez-Codina J, Gonzalez-Larriba JL, Barneto I, Carrato A, Isla D, Camps C, Garcia-Giron C, Font A, Meana A, Lomas M, Vadell C, Arrivi A, Alonso C, Maestu I, Campbell J, Rosell R. Prospective randomized phase III trial of etoposide/cisplatin versus high-dose epirubicin/cisplatin in small-cell lung cancer. Clin Lung Cancer. 2004 Nov;6(3):175-83. link to original article contains protocol PubMed
14. CALGB 9732: Niell HB, Herndon JE 2nd, Miller AA, Watson DM, Sandler AB, Kelly K, Marks RS, Perry MC, Ansari RH, Otterson G, Ellerton J, Vokes EE, Green MR; CALGB. Randomized phase III intergroup trial of etoposide and cisplatin with or without paclitaxel and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor in patients with extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer: Cancer and Leukemia Group B Trial 9732. J Clin Oncol. 2005 Jun 1;23(16):3752-9. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed
15. Ignatiadis M, Mavroudis D, Veslemes M, Boukovinas J, Syrigos K, Agelidou M, Agelidou A, Gerogianni A, Pavlakou G, Tselepatiotis E, Nikolakopoulos J, Georgoulias V; Hellenic Oncology Research Group. Sequential versus alternating administration of cisplatin/etoposide and topotecan as first-line treatment in extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer: preliminary results of a Phase III Trial of the Hellenic Oncology Research Group. Clin Lung Cancer. 2005 Nov;7(3):183-9. link to original article contains protocol PubMed
16. Hanna N, Bunn PA Jr, Langer C, Einhorn L, Guthrie T Jr, Beck T, Ansari R, Ellis P, Byrne M, Morrison M, Hariharan S, Wang B, Sandler A. Randomized phase III trial comparing irinotecan/cisplatin with etoposide/cisplatin in patients with previously untreated extensive-stage disease small-cell lung cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2006 May 1;24(13):2038-43. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed
17. Eckardt JR, von Pawel J, Papai Z, Tomova A, Tzekova V, Crofts TE, Brannon S, Wissel P, Ross G. Open-label, multicenter, randomized, phase III study comparing oral topotecan/cisplatin versus etoposide/cisplatin as treatment for chemotherapy-naive patients with extensive-disease small-cell lung cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2006 May 1;24(13):2044-51. link to original article contains protocol PubMed
18. JCOG 9702: Okamoto H, Watanabe K, Kunikane H, Yokoyama A, Kudoh S, Asakawa T, Shibata T, Kunitoh H, Tamura T, Saijo N. Randomised phase III trial of carboplatin plus etoposide vs split doses of cisplatin plus etoposide in elderly or poor-risk patients with extensive disease small-cell lung cancer: JCOG 9702. Br J Cancer. 2007 Jul 16;97(2):162-9. Epub 2007 Jun 19. link to original article link to PMC article contains protocol PubMed
19. Baka S, Califano R, Ferraldeschi R, Aschroft L, Thatcher N, Taylor P, Faivre-Finn C, Blackhall F, Lorigan P. Phase III randomised trial of doxorubicin-based chemotherapy compared with platinum-based chemotherapy in small-cell lung cancer. Br J Cancer. 2008 Aug 5;99(3):442-7. link to original article link to PMC article contains protocol PubMed
20. SWOG S0124: Lara PN Jr, Natale R, Crowley J, Lenz HJ, Redman MW, Carleton JE, Jett J, Langer CJ, Kuebler JP, Dakhil SR, Chansky K, Gandara DR. Phase III trial of irinotecan/cisplatin compared with etoposide/cisplatin in extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer: clinical and pharmacogenomic results from SWOG S0124. J Clin Oncol. 2009 May 20;27(15):2530-5. Epub 2009 Apr 6. link to original article link to PMC article contains verified protocol PubMed NCT00045162
21. Zatloukal P, Cardenal F, Szczesna A, Gorbunova V, Moiseyenko V, Zhang X, Cisar L, Soria JC, Domine M, Thomas M. A multicenter international randomized phase III study comparing cisplatin in combination with irinotecan or etoposide in previously untreated small-cell lung cancer patients with extensive disease. Ann Oncol. 2010 Sep;21(9):1810-6. Epub 2010 Mar 15. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed
22. Baka S, Agelaki S, Kotsakis A, Veslemes M, Papakotoulas P, Agelidou M, Agelidou A, Tsaroucha E, Pavlakou G, Gerogianni A, Androulakis N, Vamvakas L, Kalbakis K, Mavroudis D, Georgoulias V. Phase III study comparing sequential versus alternate administration of cisplatin-etoposide and topotecan as first-line treatment in small cell lung cancer. Anticancer Res. 2010 Jul;30(7):3031-8. link to original article contains protocol PubMed
23. SALUTE: Spigel DR, Townley PM, Waterhouse DM, Fang L, Adiguzel I, Huang JE, Karlin DA, Faoro L, Scappaticci FA, Socinski MA. Randomized phase II study of bevacizumab in combination with chemotherapy in previously untreated extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer: results from the SALUTE trial. J Clin Oncol. 2011 Jun 1;29(16):2215-22. Epub 2011 Apr 18. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed NCT00403403
24. Fink TH, Huber RM, Heigener DF, Eschbach C, Waller C, Steinhauer EU, Virchow JC, Eberhardt F, Schweisfurth H, Schroeder M, Ittel T, Hummler S, Banik N, Bogenrieder T, Acker T, Wolf M; “Aktion Bronchialkarzinom” (ABC Study Group). Topotecan/cisplatin compared with cisplatin/etoposide as first-line treatment for patients with extensive disease small-cell lung cancer: final results of a randomized phase III trial. J Thorac Oncol. 2012 Sep;7(9):1432-9. link to original article contains protocol PubMed
25. CALGB 30504: Ready NE, Pang HH, Gu L, Otterson GA, Thomas SP, Miller AA, Baggstrom M, Masters GA, Graziano SL, Crawford J, Bogart J, Vokes EE. Chemotherapy with or without maintenance sunitinib for untreated extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase II study-CALGB 30504 (Alliance). J Clin Oncol. 2015 May 20;33(15):1660-5. Epub 2015 Mar 2. link to original article link to PMC article contains verified protocol PubMed
26. D0750018: Sun Y, Cheng Y, Hao X, Wang J, Hu C, Han B, Liu X, Zhang L, Wan H, Xia Z, Liu Y, Li W, Hou M, Zhang H, Xiu Q, Zhu Y, Feng J, Qin S, Luo X. Randomized phase III trial of amrubicin/cisplatin versus etoposide/cisplatin as first-line treatment for extensive small-cell lung cancer. BMC Cancer. 2016 Apr 9;16:265. link to original article link to PMC article contains verified protocol PubMed NCT00660504
27. COMBAT: Oh IJ, Kim KS, Park CK, Kim YC, Lee KH, Jeong JH, Kim SY, Lee JE, Shin KC, Jang TW, Lee HK, Lee KY, Lee SY. Belotecan/cisplatin versus etoposide/cisplatin in previously untreated patients with extensive-stage small cell lung carcinoma: a multi-center randomized phase III trial. BMC Cancer. 2016 Aug 26;16:690. link to original article link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed NCT00826644
28. CA184-156: Reck M, Luft A, Szczesna A, Havel L, Kim SW, Akerley W, Pietanza MC, Wu YL, Zielinski C, Thomas M, Felip E, Gold K, Horn L, Aerts J, Nakagawa K, Lorigan P, Pieters A, Kong Sanchez T, Fairchild J, Spigel D. Phase III randomized trial of ipilimumab plus etoposide and platinum versus placebo plus etoposide and platinum in extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2016 Nov 1;34(31):3740-3748. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed NCT01450761
29. GOIRC-AIFA FARM6PMFJM: Tiseo M, Boni L, Ambrosio F, Camerini A, Baldini E, Cinieri S, Brighenti M, Zanelli F, Defraia E, Chiari R, Dazzi C, Tibaldi C, Turolla GM, D'Alessandro V, Zilembo N, Trolese AR, Grossi F, Riccardi F, Ardizzoni A. Italian, multicenter, phase III, randomized study of cisplatin plus etoposide with or without bevacizumab as first-line treatment in extensive-disease small-cell lung cancer: the GOIRC-AIFA FARM6PMFJM trial. J Clin Oncol. 2017 Apr 20;35(12):1281-1287. Epub 2017 Jan 30. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed EudraCT 2007-007949-13
30. LUNGSTAR: Seckl MJ, Ottensmeier CH, Cullen M, Schmid P, Ngai Y, Muthukumar D, Thompson J, Harden S, Middleton G, Fife KM, Crosse B, Taylor P, Nash S, Hackshaw A. Multicenter, phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of pravastatin added to first-line standard chemotherapy in small-cell lung cancer (LUNGSTAR). J Clin Oncol. 2017 May 10;35(14):1506-1514. Epub 2017 Feb 27. link to original article contains verified protocol link to PMC article PubMed NCT00433498
31. CRCST-L-0001: Kim DW, Kim HG, Kim JH, Park K, Kim HK, Jang JS, Kim BS, Kang JH, Lee KH, Kim SW, Ryoo HM, Kim JS, Lee KH, Kwon JH, Choi JH, Shin SW, Hahn S, Heo DS. Randomized phase III trial of irinotecan plus cisplatin versus etoposide plus cisplatin in chemotherapy-naïve Korean patients with extensive-disease small cell lung cancer. Cancer Res Treat. 2019 Jan;51(1):119-127. Epub 2018 Mar 12. link to original article link to PMC article contains protocol PubMed NCT00349492
32. KEYNOTE-604: Rudin CM, Awad MM, Navarro A, Gottfried M, Peters S, Csőszi T, Cheema PK, Rodriguez-Abreu D, Wollner M, Yang JC, Mazieres J, Orlandi FJ, Luft A, Gümüş M, Kato T, Kalemkerian GP, Luo Y, Ebiana V, Pietanza MC, Kim HR; KEYNOTE-604 Investigators. Pembrolizumab or Placebo Plus Etoposide and Platinum as First-Line Therapy for Extensive-Stage Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Randomized, Double-Blind, Phase III KEYNOTE-604 Study. J Clin Oncol. 2020 Jul 20;38(21):2369-2379. Epub 2020 May 29. link to original article link to PMC article contains verified protocol PubMed NCT03066778

Cisplatin, Etoposide, Bevacizumab

back to top

Regimen

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Spigel et al. 2011 (SALUTE)	2007-2008	Randomized Phase II (E-esc)	Cisplatin & Etoposide	Seems to have superior PFS

Chemotherapy

• Cisplatin (Platinol) 75 mg/m² IV once on day 1
• Etoposide (Vepesid) 100 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1 to 3

Targeted therapy

• Bevacizumab (Avastin) 15 mg/kg IV once on day 1

21-day cycle for 4 cycles

Subsequent treatment

• Bevacizumab maintenance

References

1. SALUTE: Spigel DR, Townley PM, Waterhouse DM, Fang L, Adiguzel I, Huang JE, Karlin DA, Faoro L, Scappaticci FA, Socinski MA. Randomized phase II study of bevacizumab in combination with chemotherapy in previously untreated extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer: results from the SALUTE trial. J Clin Oncol. 2011 Jun 1;29(16):2215-22. Epub 2011 Apr 18. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed NCT00403403

Cisplatin, Etoposide, Durvalumab

back to top

Regimen

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Paz-Ares et al. 2019 (CASPIAN)	2017-2018	Phase III (E-RT-esc)	Cisplatin & Etoposide	Superior OS

Chemotherapy

• Cisplatin (Platinol) 75 to 80 mg/m² IV once on day 1
• Etoposide (Vepesid) 80 to 100 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1 to 3
• Durvalumab (Imfinzi) 1500 mg IV once on day 1

21-day cycle for 4 cycles

Subsequent treatment

• Durvalumab maintenance

References

1. CASPIAN: Paz-Ares L, Dvorkin M, Chen Y, Reinmuth N, Hotta K, Trukhin D, Statsenko G, Hochmair MJ, Özgüroğlu M, Ji JH, Voitko O, Poltoratskiy A, Ponce S, Verderame F, Havel L, Bondarenko I, Kazarnowicz A, Losonczy G, Conev NV, Armstrong J, Byrne N, Shire N, Jiang H, Goldman JW; CASPIAN investigators. Durvalumab plus platinum-etoposide versus platinum-etoposide in first-line treatment of extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (CASPIAN): a randomised, controlled, open-label, phase 3 trial. Lancet. 2019 Nov 23;394(10212):1929-1939. Epub 2019 Oct 4. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed NCT03043872
   1. Update: Goldman JW, Dvorkin M, Chen Y, Reinmuth N, Hotta K, Trukhin D, Statsenko G, Hochmair MJ, Özgüroğlu M, Ji JH, Garassino MC, Voitko O, Poltoratskiy A, Ponce S, Verderame F, Havel L, Bondarenko I, Każarnowicz A, Losonczy G, Conev NV, Armstrong J, Byrne N, Thiyagarajah P, Jiang H, Paz-Ares L; CASPIAN investigators. Durvalumab, with or without tremelimumab, plus platinum-etoposide versus platinum-etoposide alone in first-line treatment of extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (CASPIAN): updated results from a randomised, controlled, open-label, phase 3 trial. Lancet Oncol. 2021 Jan;22(1):51-65. Epub 2020 Dec 4. link to original article PubMed

Cisplatin & Irinotecan (IC)

back to top

IP: Irinotecan, Platinol (Cisplatin)

Regimen variant #1, 30/65

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Hanna et al. 2006	2000-2003	Phase III (E-switch-ic)	Cisplatin & Etoposide	Did not meet primary endpoint of OS

Chemotherapy

• Cisplatin (Platinol) 30 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1 & 8
• Irinotecan (Camptosar) 65 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1 & 8

Supportive medications

• G-CSF used according to 1999 American Society of Clinical Oncology guidelines
• "Erythropoietin was allowed at the discretion of the treating physician."

21-day cycle for 4 cycles; additional cycles could be given at physician discretion

Regimen variant #2, 60/60

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Noda et al. 2002 (JCOG 9511)	1995-1998	Phase III (E-switch-ic)	EP	Superior OS
Lara et al. 2009 (SWOG S0124)	2002-2007	Phase III (E-switch-ic)	EP	Did not meet primary endpoint of OS
Satouchi et al. 2014 (JCOG 0509)	2007-2010	Phase III (C)	Amrubicin & Cisplatin	Superior OS

Chemotherapy

• Cisplatin (Platinol) 60 mg/m² IV once on day 1
• Irinotecan (Camptosar) 60 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1, 8, 15

Supportive medications

• "Hydration and administration of antiemetic drugs."

28-day cycle for 4 cycles

Regimen variant #3, 80/65

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Zatloukal et al. 2010	2003-2007	Phase III (E-switch-ic)	EP	Non-inferior OS

Note: this dosing was the result of a mid-protocol amendment.

Chemotherapy

• Cisplatin (Platinol) 80 mg/m² IV once on day 1
• Irinotecan (Camptosar) 65 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1 & 8

21-day cycle for 6 cycles

References

1. JCOG 9511: Noda K, Nishiwaki Y, Kawahara M, Negoro S, Sugiura T, Yokoyama A, Fukuoka M, Mori K, Watanabe K, Tamura T, Yamamoto S, Saijo N; JCOG. Irinotecan plus cisplatin compared with etoposide plus cisplatin for extensive small-cell lung cancer. N Engl J Med. 2002 Jan 10;346(2):85-91. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed
2. Hanna N, Bunn PA Jr, Langer C, Einhorn L, Guthrie T Jr, Beck T, Ansari R, Ellis P, Byrne M, Morrison M, Hariharan S, Wang B, Sandler A. Randomized phase III trial comparing irinotecan/cisplatin with etoposide/cisplatin in patients with previously untreated extensive-stage disease small-cell lung cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2006 May 1;24(13):2038-43. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed
3. SWOG S0124: Lara PN Jr, Natale R, Crowley J, Lenz HJ, Redman MW, Carleton JE, Jett J, Langer CJ, Kuebler JP, Dakhil SR, Chansky K, Gandara DR. Phase III trial of irinotecan/cisplatin compared with etoposide/cisplatin in extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer: clinical and pharmacogenomic results from SWOG S0124. J Clin Oncol. 2009 May 20;27(15):2530-5. Epub 2009 Apr 6. link to original article link to PMC article contains verified protocol PubMed NCT00045162
4. Zatloukal P, Cardenal F, Szczesna A, Gorbunova V, Moiseyenko V, Zhang X, Cisar L, Soria JC, Domine M, Thomas M. A multicenter international randomized phase III study comparing cisplatin in combination with irinotecan or etoposide in previously untreated small-cell lung cancer patients with extensive disease. Ann Oncol. 2010 Sep;21(9):1810-6. Epub 2010 Mar 15. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed
5. JCOG 0509: Satouchi M, Kotani Y, Shibata T, Ando M, Nakagawa K, Yamamoto N, Ichinose Y, Ohe Y, Nishio M, Hida T, Takeda K, Kimura T, Minato K, Yokoyama A, Atagi S, Fukuda H, Tamura T, Saijo N. Phase III study comparing amrubicin plus cisplatin with irinotecan plus cisplatin in the treatment of extensive-disease small-cell lung cancer: JCOG 0509. J Clin Oncol. 2014 Apr 20;32(12):1262-8. Epub 2014 Mar 17. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed

Docetaxel monotherapy

back to top

Regimen

Study	Evidence
Hesketh et al. 1999	Phase II

Chemotherapy

• Docetaxel (Taxotere) 100 mg/m² IV over 60 minutes once on day 1

21-day cycles

References

1. Hesketh PJ, Crowley JJ, Burris HA 3rd, Williamson SK, Balcerzak SP, Peereboom D, Goodwin JW, Gross HM, Moore DF Jr, Livingston RB, Gandara DR; SWOG. Evaluation of docetaxel in previously untreated extensive-stage small cell lung cancer: a Southwest Oncology Group phase II trial. Cancer J Sci Am. 1999 Jul-Aug;5(4):237-41. contains protocol PubMed

Ifosfamide monotherapy

back to top

Regimen

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy	Comparative Toxicity
Ettinger et al. 2002 (ECOG E1588)	1988-1990	Phase III (E-switch-ic)	1. CAV	Did not meet primary endpoint of OS	Less toxic
			2. Teniposide	Did not meet primary endpoint of OS	Not reported

Chemotherapy

• Ifosfamide (Ifex) 1500 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1 to 5

Supportive medications

• Mesna (Mesnex) 300 mg/m² IV three times per day on days 1 to 5, given 0, 4, and 8 hours after each dose of Ifosfamide (Ifex) (total dose per cycle: 4500 mg/m²)

21-day cycle for 4 to 6 cycles

Subsequent treatment

• Patients with CR: another 2 cycles of ifosfamide, then prophylactic whole-brain irradiation if still in CR
• Patients with PR: ifosfamide until progression of disease, then salvage EP

References

1. ECOG E1588: Ettinger DS, Finkelstein DM, Ritch PS, Lincoln ST, Blum RH; ECOG. Study of either ifosfamide or teniposide compared to a standard chemotherapy for extensive disease small cell lung cancer: an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group randomized study (E1588). Lung Cancer. 2002 Sep;37(3):311-8. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed

Teniposide monotherapy

back to top

Regimen

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy	Comparative Toxicity
Ettinger et al. 2002 (ECOG E1588)	1988-1990	Phase III (E-switch-ic)	1. CAV	Did not meet primary endpoint of OS	Less toxic
			2. Ifosfamide	Did not meet primary endpoint of OS	Not reported

Chemotherapy

• Teniposide (Vumon) 60 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1 to 5

21-day cycle for 4 to 6 cycles

Subsequent treatment

• Patients with CR after 4 to 6 cycles: another 2 cycles of teniposide
• Patients with CR after 6 to 8 cycles: prophylactic whole-brain irradiation
• Patients with PR: teniposide until progression of disease, then salvage EP therapy

References

1. ECOG E1588: Ettinger DS, Finkelstein DM, Ritch PS, Lincoln ST, Blum RH; ECOG. Study of either ifosfamide or teniposide compared to a standard chemotherapy for extensive disease small cell lung cancer: an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group randomized study (E1588). Lung Cancer. 2002 Sep;37(3):311-8. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed

Extensive stage, consolidation after first-line therapy

Whole brain irradiation

back to top

PCI: Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation

Regimen

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Ettinger et al. 2002 (ECOG E1588)	1988-1990	Non-randomized portion of RCT
Slotman et al. 2007 (EORTC 22993)	2001-2006	Phase III (E-esc)	Observation	Superior OS

Preceding treatment

• ECOG E1588: CAV versus Ifosfamide versus Teniposide
• EORTC 22993: Chemotherapy x 4 to 6 cycles (regimen not specified)

Radiotherapy

• Whole brain irradiation by one of the following: 20 Gy in 5 or 8 fractions, 24 Gy in 12 fractions, 25 Gy in 10 fractions, or 30 Gy in 10 or 12 fractions

1- to 3-week course

References

1. Meta-analysis: Aupérin A, Arriagada R, Pignon JP, Le Péchoux C, Gregor A, Stephens RJ, Kristjansen PE, Johnson BE, Ueoka H, Wagner H, Aisner J; Prophylactic Cranial Irradiation Overview Collaborative Group. Prophylactic cranial irradiation for patients with small-cell lung cancer in complete remission. N Engl J Med. 1999 Aug 12;341(7):476-84. link to original article PubMed
2. ECOG E1588: Ettinger DS, Finkelstein DM, Ritch PS, Lincoln ST, Blum RH; ECOG. Study of either ifosfamide or teniposide compared to a standard chemotherapy for extensive disease small cell lung cancer: an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group randomized study (E1588). Lung Cancer. 2002 Sep;37(3):311-8. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed
3. EORTC 22993: Slotman B, Faivre-Finn C, Kramer G, Rankin E, Snee M, Hatton M, Postmus P, Collette L, Musat E, Senan S; EORTC Radiation Oncology Group; EORTC Lung Cancer Group. Prophylactic cranial irradiation in extensive small-cell lung cancer. N Engl J Med. 2007 Aug 16;357(7):664-72. link to original article contains protocol PubMed NCT00016211

Extensive stage, maintenance after first-line therapy

Bevacizumab monotherapy

back to top

Regimen

Study	Evidence
Spigel et al. 2011 (SALUTE)	Non-randomized portion of RCT

Preceding treatment

• Carboplatin, Etoposide, Bevacizumab induction x 4 or Cisplatin, Etoposide, Bevacizumab induction x 4

Targeted therapy

• Bevacizumab (Avastin) 15 mg/kg IV once on day 1

21-day cycles

References

1. Spigel DR, Townley PM, Waterhouse DM, Fang L, Adiguzel I, Huang JE, Karlin DA, Faoro L, Scappaticci FA, Socinski MA. Randomized phase II study of bevacizumab in combination with chemotherapy in previously untreated extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer: results from the SALUTE trial. J Clin Oncol. 2011 Jun 1;29(16):2215-22. Epub 2011 Apr 18. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed NCT00403403

Durvalumab monotherapy

back to top

Regimen

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Paz-Ares et al. 2019 (CASPIAN)	2017-2018	Phase III (E-RT-esc)	Cisplatin & Etoposide	Superior OS

Preceding treatment

• CE & Durvalumab x 4 or EP & Durvalumab x 4

Immunotherapy

• Durvalumab (Imfinzi) 1500 mg IV once on day 1

28-day cycles

References

1. CASPIAN: Paz-Ares L, Dvorkin M, Chen Y, Reinmuth N, Hotta K, Trukhin D, Statsenko G, Hochmair MJ, Özgüroğlu M, Ji JH, Voitko O, Poltoratskiy A, Ponce S, Verderame F, Havel L, Bondarenko I, Kazarnowicz A, Losonczy G, Conev NV, Armstrong J, Byrne N, Shire N, Jiang H, Goldman JW; CASPIAN investigators. Durvalumab plus platinum-etoposide versus platinum-etoposide in first-line treatment of extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (CASPIAN): a randomised, controlled, open-label, phase 3 trial. Lancet. 2019 Nov 23;394(10212):1929-1939. Epub 2019 Oct 4. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed NCT03043872
   1. Update: Goldman JW, Dvorkin M, Chen Y, Reinmuth N, Hotta K, Trukhin D, Statsenko G, Hochmair MJ, Özgüroğlu M, Ji JH, Garassino MC, Voitko O, Poltoratskiy A, Ponce S, Verderame F, Havel L, Bondarenko I, Każarnowicz A, Losonczy G, Conev NV, Armstrong J, Byrne N, Thiyagarajah P, Jiang H, Paz-Ares L; CASPIAN investigators. Durvalumab, with or without tremelimumab, plus platinum-etoposide versus platinum-etoposide alone in first-line treatment of extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (CASPIAN): updated results from a randomised, controlled, open-label, phase 3 trial. Lancet Oncol. 2021 Jan;22(1):51-65. Epub 2020 Dec 4. link to original article PubMed

Ipilimumab monotherapy

back to top

Regimen

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence
Reck et al. 2012 (CA184-041)	2008-2009	Non-randomized portion of RCT

Preceding treatment

• Carboplatin, Paclitaxel, Ipilimumab induction

Immunotherapy

• Ipilimumab (Yervoy) 10 mg/kg IV once on day 1

12-week cycles

References

1. CA184-041: Reck M, Bondarenko I, Luft A, Serwatowski P, Barlesi F, Chacko R, Sebastian M, Lu H, Cuillerot JM, Lynch TJ. Ipilimumab in combination with paclitaxel and carboplatin as first-line therapy in extensive-disease-small-cell lung cancer: results from a randomized, double-blind, multicenter phase 2 trial. Ann Oncol. 2013 Jan;24(1):75-83. Epub 2012 Aug 2. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed NCT00527735

Sunitinib monotherapy

back to top

Regimen

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Ready et al. 2015 (CALGB 30504)	2007-2011	Randomized Phase II (E-esc)	Observation	Seems to have superior PFS

Preceding treatment

• Carboplatin & Etoposide or Cisplatin & Etoposide for 4 to 6 cycles

Targeted therapy

• Sunitinib (Sutent) 150 mg PO once on day 1, then 37.5 mg PO once per day

Continued indefinitely

References

1. CALGB 30504: Ready NE, Pang HH, Gu L, Otterson GA, Thomas SP, Miller AA, Baggstrom M, Masters GA, Graziano SL, Crawford J, Bogart J, Vokes EE. Chemotherapy with or without maintenance sunitinib for untreated extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase II study-CALGB 30504 (Alliance). J Clin Oncol. 2015 May 20;33(15):1660-5. Epub 2015 Mar 2. link to original article link to PMC article contains verified protocol PubMed

Relapsed or refractory disease

Amrubicin monotherapy

back to top

Regimen

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
von Pawel et al. 2014 (ACT-1)	2007-2010	Phase III (E-switch-ic)	Topotecan	Seems to have superior PFS

Chemotherapy

• Amrubicin (Calsed) 40 mg/m² IV over 5 minutes once per day on days 1 to 3

Supportive medications

• "Prophylactic antibiotics were recommended for patients at high risk of infectious complications."

21-day cycle for 6 cycles

Subsequent treatment

• Patients who had at least stable disease by cycle 6 could receive another 6 cycles of treatment

References

1. ACT-1: von Pawel J, Jotte R, Spigel DR, O'Brien ME, Socinski MA, Mezger J, Steins M, Bosquée L, Bubis J, Nackaerts K, Trigo JM, Clingan P, Schütte W, Lorigan P, Reck M, Domine M, Shepherd FA, Li S, Renschler MF. Randomized phase III trial of amrubicin versus topotecan as second-line treatment for patients with small-cell lung cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2014 Dec 10;32(35):4012-9. Epub 2014 Nov 10. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed NCT00547651

Bendamustine monotherapy

back to top

Regimen

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Efficacy
Lammers et al. 2014	2009-2012	Phase II	ORR: 33% (95% CI, 14-52%)

Chemotherapy

• Bendamustine 120 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1 & 2

21-day cycle for up to 6 cycles

References

1. Lammers PE, Shyr Y, Li CI, Hutchison AS, Sandler A, Carbone DP, Johnson DH, Keedy VL, Horn L. Phase II study of bendamustine in relapsed chemotherapy sensitive or resistant small-cell lung cancer. J Thorac Oncol. 2014 Apr;9(4):559-62. link to PMC article contains verified protocol PubMed

Carboplatin & Etoposide (CE)

back to top

EC: Etoposide & Carboplatin
EP: Etoposide & Paraplatin (Carboplatin)
CE: Carboplatin & Etoposide
Ca/E: Carboplatin & Etoposide

Regimen

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Baize et al. 2020 (GFPC 01-2013)	2013-2018	Phase III (E-switch-ic)	Topotecan	Superior PFS

Chemotherapy

• Carboplatin (Paraplatin) AUC 5 IV once on day 1
• Etoposide (Vepesid) 100 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1 to 3

21-day cycle for 6 cycles

References

1. GFPC 01-2013: Baize N, Monnet I, Greillier L, Geier M, Lena H, Janicot H, Vergnenegre A, Crequit J, Lamy R, Auliac JB, Letreut J, Le Caer H, Gervais R, Dansin E, Madroszyk A, Renault PA, Le Garff G, Falchero L, Berard H, Schott R, Saulnier P, Chouaid C; Groupe Français de Pneumo-Cancérologie. Carboplatin plus etoposide versus topotecan as second-line treatment for patients with sensitive relapsed small-cell lung cancer: an open-label, multicentre, randomised, phase 3 trial. Lancet Oncol. 2020 Sep;21(9):1224-1233. link to original article contains protocol PubMed NCT02738346

Cisplatin & Etoposide (EP)

back to top

EP: Etoposide, Platinol (Cisplatin)

Regimen

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
O'Bryan et al. 1990 (SWOG S8215)	NR	Phase III (E-switch-ic)	BTOC	Did not meet efficacy endpoints
Ettinger et al. 2002 (ECOG E1588)	1988-1990	Non-randomized portion of RCT

Preceding treatment

• ECOG E1588: CAV versus ifosfamide versus teniposide, with progression

Chemotherapy

• Cisplatin (Platinol) 60 mg/m² IV once on day 1
• Etoposide (Vepesid) 120 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1 to 3

21-day cycles

References

1. SWOG S8215: O'Bryan RM, Crowley JJ, Kim PN, Epstein RB, Neilan B, Coltman CA Jr, Stuckey WJ, Pazdur R. Comparison of etoposide and cisplatin with bis-chloro-ethylnitrosourea, thiotepa, vincristine, and cyclophosphamide for salvage treatment in small cell lung cancer: a Southwest Oncology Group Study. Cancer. 1990 Feb 15;65(4):856-60. link to original article PubMed
2. ECOG E1588: Ettinger DS, Finkelstein DM, Ritch PS, Lincoln ST, Blum RH; ECOG. Study of either ifosfamide or teniposide compared to a standard chemotherapy for extensive disease small cell lung cancer: an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group randomized study (E1588). Lung Cancer. 2002 Sep;37(3):311-8. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed

Cisplatin, Etoposide, Irinotecan

back to top

Regimen

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Goto et al. 2016 (JCOG0605)	2007-2012	Phase III (E-esc)	Topotecan	Superior OS

Chemotherapy

• Cisplatin (Platinol) 25 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1 & 8
• Etoposide (Vepesid) 60 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1 to 3
• Irinotecan (Camptosar) 90 mg/m² IV once on day 8

Supportive medications

• G-CSF, started on cycle 1 day 9: (dose not specified) SC once per day, continued throughout except for days of chemotherapy

14-day cycle for 5 cycles

References

1. JCOG0605: Goto K, Ohe Y, Shibata T, Seto T, Takahashi T, Nakagawa K, Tanaka H, Takeda K, Nishio M, Mori K, Satouchi M, Hida T, Yoshimura N, Kozuki T, Imamura F, Kiura K, Okamoto H, Sawa T, Tamura T; JCOG. Combined chemotherapy with cisplatin, etoposide, and irinotecan versus topotecan alone as second-line treatment for patients with sensitive relapsed small-cell lung cancer (JCOG0605): a multicentre, open-label, randomised phase 3 trial. Lancet Oncol. 2016 Aug;17(8):1147-57. Epub 2016 Jun 14. link to original article contains protocol PubMed UMIN000000828

Docetaxel monotherapy

back to top

Regimen

Study	Evidence
Smyth et al. 1994	Phase II

Chemotherapy

• Docetaxel (Taxotere) 100 mg/m² IV over 60 minutes once on day 1

21-day cycles

References

1. Smyth JF, Smith IE, Sessa C, Schoffski P, Wanders J, Franklin H, Kaye SB; Early Clinical Trials Group of the EORTC. Activity of docetaxel (Taxotere) in small cell lung cancer. Eur J Cancer. 1994;30A(8):1058-60. link to original article contains protocol PubMed

Etoposide monotherapy

back to top

Regimen

Study	Evidence
Einhorn et al. 1990	Phase II
Johnson et al. 1990	Phase II

Chemotherapy

• Etoposide (Vepesid) 50 mg/m² PO once per day, taken every morning on an empty stomach

Supportive medications

• No routine antiemetics used.

21-day cycles

References

1. Einhorn LH, Pennington K, McClean J; Hoosier Oncology Group. Phase II trial of daily oral VP-16 in refractory small cell lung cancer: a Hoosier Oncology Group study. Semin Oncol. 1990 Feb;17(1 Suppl 2):32-5. Not available online; abstract contains protocol PubMed
2. Johnson DH, Greco FA, Strupp J, Hande KR, Hainsworth JD. Prolonged administration of oral etoposide in patients with relapsed or refractory small-cell lung cancer: a phase II trial. J Clin Oncol. 1990 Oct;8(10):1613-7. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed

Epirubicin & Ifosfamide

back to top

EI: Epirubicin, Ifosfamide

Regimen

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence
Jacot et al. 2012	1992-2010	Phase II

Chemotherapy

• Epirubicin (Ellence) 90 mg/m² IV once on day 1
• Ifosfamide (Ifex) 3000 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1 & 2

Supportive medications

• Mesna (Mesnex) (dose/route/schedule not specified) on days 1 & 2
• G-CSF use per physician discretion

28-day cycle for up to 6 cycles

References

1. Jacot W, Pujol JL, Chakra M, Molinier O, Bozonnat MC, Gervais R, Quantin X. Epirubicin and ifosfamide in relapsed or refractory small cell lung cancer patients. Lung Cancer. 2012 Feb;75(2):213-6. Epub 2011 Aug 9. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed

Gemcitabine monotherapy

back to top

Regimen variant #1, 5 cycles

Study	Evidence
van der Lee et al. 2001	Phase II

Chemotherapy

• Gemcitabine (Gemzar) 1000 mg/m² IV over 30 minutes once per day on days 1, 8, 15

28-day cycle for up to 5 cycles

Regimen variant #2, indefinite

Study	Evidence
Masters et al. 2003 (ECOG E1597)	Phase II

Note: dose escalation was carried out if patients had less than grade 2 toxicity with cycle 1.

Chemotherapy

• Gemcitabine (Gemzar) as follows:
  • Cycle 1: 1000 mg/m² IV over 30 minutes once per day on days 1, 8, 15
  • Cycle 2 onwards: 1250 mg/m² IV over 30 minutes once per day on days 1, 8, 15

28-day cycles

References

1. van der Lee I, Smit EF, van Putten JW, Groen HJ, Schlösser NJ, Postmus PE, Schramel FM. Single-agent gemcitabine in patients with resistant small-cell lung cancer. Ann Oncol. 2001 Apr;12(4):557-61. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed
2. ECOG E1597: Masters GA, Declerck L, Blanke C, Sandler A, DeVore R, Miller K, Johnson D; ECOG. Phase II trial of gemcitabine in refractory or relapsed small-cell lung cancer: Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Trial 1597. J Clin Oncol. 2003 Apr 15;21(8):1550-5. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed

Ifosfamide monotherapy

back to top

Regimen

Study	Evidence
Cantwell et al. 1988	Phase II

Chemotherapy

• Ifosfamide (Ifex) 5000 mg/m² IV once on day 1

Supportive medications

• Mesna (Mesnex) 5000 mg/m² IV once on day 1

21-day cycles

References

1. Cantwell BM, Bozzino JM, Corris P, Harris AL. The multidrug resistant phenotype in clinical practice; evaluation of cross resistance to ifosfamide and mesna after VP16-213, doxorubicin and vincristine (VPAV) for small cell lung cancer. Eur J Cancer Clin Oncol. 1988 Feb;24(2):123-9. link to original article contains protocol PubMed
2. Review: Marangolo M, Giovanis P. Ifosfamide in small cell lung cancer. Oncology. 2003;65 Suppl 2:46-9. Review. link to original article PubMed

Ifosfamide & Paclitaxel

back to top

PI: Paclitaxel, Ifosfamide

Regimen

Study	Evidence
Park et al. 2007a	Phase II

Chemotherapy

• Ifosfamide (Ifex) 2500 mg/m² IV over 2 hours once per day on days 1 & 2
• Paclitaxel (Taxol) 175 mg/m² IV over 3 hours once on day 1

Supportive medications

• Mesna (Mesnex) 500 mg/m² IV three times per day on days 1 & 2, given 15 minutes before, 4 hours after, and 8 hours after ifosfamide (total dose per cycle: 3000 mg/m²)

21-day cycles

References

1. Park S, Ahn MJ, Ahn JS, Lee J, Hong YS, Park BB, Lee SC, Hwang IG, Park JO, Lim H, Kang WK, Park K. Combination chemotherapy with paclitaxel and ifosfamide as the third-line regimen in patients with heavily pretreated small cell lung cancer. Lung Cancer. 2007 Oct;58(1):116-22. Epub 2007 Jul 12. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed

Irinotecan monotherapy

back to top

Regimen

Study	Evidence
Masuda et al. 1992	Phase II, <20 pts

Chemotherapy

• Irinotecan (Camptosar) 100 mg/m² IV over 90 minutes once per day on days 1, 8, 15

Supportive medications

• No routine prophylaxis against diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting used.

21-day cycles

References

1. Masuda N, Fukuoka M, Kusunoki Y, Matsui K, Takifuji N, Kudoh S, Negoro S, Nishioka M, Nakagawa K, Takada M. CPT-11: a new derivative of camptothecin for the treatment of refractory or relapsed small-cell lung cancer. J Clin Oncol. 1992 Aug;10(8):1225-9. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed

Lurbinectedin monotherapy

back to top

Regimen

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Efficacy
PM1183-B-005-14	2015-2019	Phase II	ORR: 35.2% (95% CI, 26.2-45.2%)

Chemotherapy

• Lurbinectedin (Zepzelca) 3.2 mg/m² IV over 1 hour once per day on day 1

Supportive medications

• "All patients received antiemetic prophylaxis."

21-day cycles, given until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity

References

1. PM1183-B-005-14: Trigo J, Subbiah V, Besse B, Moreno V, López R, Sala MA, Peters S, Ponce S, Fernández C, Alfaro V, Gómez J, Kahatt C, Zeaiter A, Zaman K, Boni V, Arrondeau J, Martínez M, Delord JP, Awada A, Kristeleit R, Olmedo ME, Wannesson L, Valdivia J, Rubio MJ, Anton A, Sarantopoulos J, Chawla SP, Mosquera-Martinez J, D'Arcangelo M, Santoro A, Villalobos VM, Sands J, Paz-Ares L. Lurbinectedin as second-line treatment for patients with small-cell lung cancer: a single-arm, open-label, phase 2 basket trial. Lancet Oncol. 2020 May;21(5):645-654. link to original article contains verified protocol Epub 2020 Mar 27. PubMed Study B-005; NCT02454972

Paclitaxel monotherapy

back to top

Regimen variant #1, every 3 weeks

Study	Evidence
Smit et al. 1998	Phase II

Chemotherapy

• Paclitaxel (Taxol) 175 mg/m² IV over 3 hours once on day 1

Supportive medications

• Dexamethasone (Decadron) 8 mg PO given twice on day 1; 12 and 6 hours prior to Paclitaxel (Taxol)
• Clemastine (Tavist) 2 mg IV push once on day 1; 30 minutes prior to Paclitaxel (Taxol)
• One of the following H2 blockers:
  • Cimetidine (Tagamet) 300 mg IV push once on day 1; 30 minutes prior to Paclitaxel (Taxol)
  • Ranitidine (Zantac) 50 mg IV push once on day 1; 30 minutes prior to Paclitaxel (Taxol)

21-day cycle for up to 5 cycles

Regimen variant #2, weekly paclitaxel

Study	Evidence
Yamamoto et al. 2006	Phase II

Chemotherapy

• Paclitaxel (Taxol) 80 mg/m² IV over 60 minutes once per day on days 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 36

Supportive medications

• Dexamethasone (Decadron) 20 mg IV once per day on days 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 36; 30 minutes prior to Paclitaxel (Taxol)
• Ranitidine (Zantac) 50 mg IV once per day on days 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 36; 30 minutes prior to Paclitaxel (Taxol)
• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) 50 mg IV once per day on days 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 36; 30 minutes prior to Paclitaxel (Taxol)
• If ANC less than 1000/uL or WBC count less than 2 x 10⁹/L, G-CSF (type not specified) 2 mcg/kg SC once per day is given until WBC count greater than or equal to 10 x 10⁹/L, except on days that paclitaxel is given

8-week cycles

References

1. Smit EF, Fokkema E, Biesma B, Groen HJ, Snoek W, Postmus PE. A phase II study of paclitaxel in heavily pretreated patients with small-cell lung cancer. Br J Cancer. 1998;77(2):347-51. contains verified protocol link to PMC article PubMed
2. Yamamoto N, Tsurutani J, Yoshimura N, Asai G, Moriyama A, Nakagawa K, Kudoh S, Takada M, Minato Y, Fukuoka M. Phase II study of weekly paclitaxel for relapsed and refractory small cell lung cancer. Anticancer Res. 2006 Jan-Feb;26(1B):777-81. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed

Temozolomide monotherapy

back to top

Regimen variant #1, 75 mg/m²/d, 21 out of 28 days

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence
Pietanza et al. 2012	2008-2010	Phase II

Chemotherapy

• Temozolomide (Temodar) 75 mg/m² PO once per day on days 1 to 21, with no food 2 hours before or 1 hour after temozolomide

Supportive medications

• Ondansetron (Zofran) 8 mg PO once per day on days 1 to 21, prior to Temozolomide (Temodar) prn nausea
• Patients with at least grade 3 lymphopenia received prophylaxis for Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (no specific medication/dose/schedule listed)

28-day cycles

Regimen variant #2, 200 mg/m²/d, 5 out of 28 days

Study	Evidence
Zauderer et al. 2014 (MSKCC 08-065)	Phase II

Chemotherapy

• Temozolomide (Temodar) 200 mg/m² PO once per day on days 1 to 5

Supportive medications

• Ondansetron (Zofran) 8 mg PO once per day on days 1 to 5; 30 minutes prior to Temozolomide (Temodar)

28-day cycles

References

1. Pietanza MC, Kadota K, Huberman K, Sima CS, Fiore JJ, Sumner DK, Travis WD, Heguy A, Ginsberg MS, Holodny AI, Chan TA, Rizvi NA, Azzoli CG, Riely GJ, Kris MG, Krug LM. Phase II trial of temozolomide in patients with relapsed sensitive or refractory small cell lung cancer, with assessment of methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase as a potential biomarker. Clin Cancer Res. 2012 Feb 15;18(4):1138-45. Epub 2012 Jan 6. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed
2. MSKCC 08-065: Zauderer MG, Drilon A, Kadota K, Huberman K, Sima CS, Bergagnini I, Sumner DK, Travis WD, Heguy A, Ginsberg MS, Holodny AI, Riely GJ, Kris MG, Krug LM, Pietanza MC. Trial of a 5-day dosing regimen of temozolomide in patients with relapsed small cell lung cancers with assessment of methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase. Lung Cancer. 2014 Nov;86(2):237-40. Epub 2014 Aug 17. contains verified protocol link to original article link to PMC article PubMed

Topotecan monotherapy

back to top

Regimen variant #1, 1 mg/m²

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Goto et al. 2016 (JCOG0605)	2007-2012	Phase III (C)	Cisplatin, Etoposide, Irinotecan	Inferior OS

Chemotherapy

• Topotecan (Hycamtin) 1 mg/m² IV over 30 minutes once per day on days 1 to 5

21-day cycle for 4 cycles

Regimen variant #2, 1.5 mg/m²

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
von Pawel et al. 1999	NR	Phase III (E-RT-de-esc)	CAV	Did not meet primary endpoints of ORR/DOR
Eckardt et al. 2007	1999-2001	Phase III (C)	Topotecan; oral	Did not meet primary endpoint of ORR
von Pawel et al. 2014 (ACT-1)	2007-2010	Phase III (C)	Amrubicin	Seems to have inferior PFS

Chemotherapy

• Topotecan (Hycamtin) 1.5 mg/m² IV over 30 minutes once per day on days 1 to 5

Supportive medications

• (varies depending on reference):
• G-CSF use per physician discretion
• In von Pawel et al. 2014 (ACT-1), "Prophylactic antibiotics were recommended for patients at high risk of infectious complications."

21-day cycles

Duration varies depending on reference:

• In von Pawel et al. 1999 treatment is given until progression of disease, unacceptable toxicity, or 6 cycles beyond maximal response. Patients with stable disease after 4 cycles could have treatment discontinued at physician discretion.
• In Eckardt et al. 2007, patients with complete or partial response continued treatment progression of disease or 2 cycles beyond best response. Patients with stable disease received at least 4 cycles therapy.
• In ACT-1, treatment was given for 6 cycles or until progression of disease. Patients who had at least stable disease by cycle 6 could receive another 6 cycles of treatment.

Regimen variant #3, oral route

Study	Years of enrollment	Evidence	Comparator	Comparative Efficacy
Eckardt et al. 2007	1999-2001	Phase III (E-switch-ic)	Topotecan; IV (1.5 mg/m2)	Did not meet primary endpoint of ORR
O'Brien et al. 2006	2000-2004	Phase III (E-esc)	Best supportive care	Seems to have superior OS
Baize et al. 2020 (GFPC 01-2013)	2013-2018	Phase III (C)	Carboplatin & Etoposide	Inferior PFS

Note: Duration of treatment details vary depending on reference. In O'Brien et al. 2006, treatment is given for at least 4 cycles, though this depended on tolerability and response. In Eckardt et al. 2007, patients with complete or partial response continued treatment progression of disease or 2 cycles beyond best response. Patients with stable disease received at least 4 cycles of therapy. Patients enrolled in GFPC 01-2013 received 6 cycles.

Chemotherapy

• Topotecan (Hycamtin) 2.3 mg/m² PO once per day on days 1 to 5

21-day cycle for 4 or more cycles (see note)

References

1. von Pawel J, Schiller JH, Shepherd FA, Fields SZ, Kleisbauer JP, Chrysson NG, Stewart DJ, Clark PI, Palmer MC, Depierre A, Carmichael J, Krebs JB, Ross G, Lane SR, Gralla R. Topotecan versus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and vincristine for the treatment of recurrent small-cell lung cancer. J Clin Oncol. 1999 Feb;17(2):658-67. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed
2. O'Brien ME, Ciuleanu TE, Tsekov H, Shparyk Y, Cuceviá B, Juhasz G, Thatcher N, Ross GA, Dane GC, Crofts T. Phase III trial comparing supportive care alone with supportive care with oral topotecan in patients with relapsed small-cell lung cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2006 Dec 1;24(34):5441-7. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed
3. Eckardt JR, von Pawel J, Pujol JL, Papai Z, Quoix E, Ardizzoni A, Poulin R, Preston AJ, Dane G, Ross G. Phase III study of oral compared with intravenous topotecan as second-line therapy in small-cell lung cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2007 May 20;25(15):2086-92. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed
4. ACT-1: von Pawel J, Jotte R, Spigel DR, O'Brien ME, Socinski MA, Mezger J, Steins M, Bosquée L, Bubis J, Nackaerts K, Trigo JM, Clingan P, Schütte W, Lorigan P, Reck M, Domine M, Shepherd FA, Li S, Renschler MF. Randomized phase III trial of amrubicin versus topotecan as second-line treatment for patients with small-cell lung cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2014 Dec 10;32(35):4012-9. Epub 2014 Nov 10. link to original article contains verified protocol PubMed NCT00547651
5. JCOG0605: Goto K, Ohe Y, Shibata T, Seto T, Takahashi T, Nakagawa K, Tanaka H, Takeda K, Nishio M, Mori K, Satouchi M, Hida T, Yoshimura N, Kozuki T, Imamura F, Kiura K, Okamoto H, Sawa T, Tamura T; JCOG. Combined chemotherapy with cisplatin, etoposide, and irinotecan versus topotecan alone as second-line treatment for patients with sensitive relapsed small-cell lung cancer (JCOG0605): a multicentre, open-label, randomised phase 3 trial. Lancet Oncol. 2016 Aug;17(8):1147-57. Epub 2016 Jun 14. link to original article contains protocol PubMed UMIN000000828
6. GFPC 01-2013: Baize N, Monnet I, Greillier L, Geier M, Lena H, Janicot H, Vergnenegre A, Crequit J, Lamy R, Auliac JB, Letreut J, Le Caer H, Gervais R, Dansin E, Madroszyk A, Renault PA, Le Garff G, Falchero L, Berard H, Schott R, Saulnier P, Chouaid C; Groupe Français de Pneumo-Cancérologie. Carboplatin plus etoposide versus topotecan as second-line treatment for patients with sensitive relapsed small-cell lung cancer: an open-label, multicentre, randomised, phase 3 trial. Lancet Oncol. 2020 Sep;21(9):1224-1233. link to original article contains protocol PubMed NCT02738346

Vinorelbine monotherapy

back to top

Regimen variant #1, 25 mg/m²

Study	Evidence
Furuse et al. 1996a	Phase II

Chemotherapy

• Vinorelbine (Navelbine) 25 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1, 8, 15

21-day cycles

Regimen variant #2, 30 mg/m²

Study	Evidence
Jassem et al. 1993	Phase II

Chemotherapy

• Vinorelbine (Navelbine) 30 mg/m² IV once per day on days 1, 8, 15

21-day cycles

References

1. Jassem J, Karnicka-Mlodkowska H, van Pottelsberghe C, van Glabbeke M, Noseda MA, Ardizzoni A, Gozzelino F, Planting A, van Zandwijk N; EORTC Lung Cancer Cooperative Group. Phase II study of vinorelbine (Navelbine) in previously treated small cell lung cancer patients. Eur J Cancer. 1993;29A(12):1720-2. link to original article contains protocol PubMed
2. Furuse K, Kubota K, Kawahara M, Takada M, Kimura I, Fujii M, Ohta M, Hasegawa K, Yoshida K, Nakajima S, Ogura T, Niitani H; Japan Lung Cancer Vinorelbine Study Group. Phase II study of vinorelbine in heavily previously treated small cell lung cancer. Oncology. 1996 Mar-Apr;53(2):169-72. link to original article contains protocol PubMed