[Combined chemo- and radiotherapy of small cell bronchial carcinoma with high dosages of radiation].

35 patients with small cell carcinoma of the lung were treated with adriamycin, cyclophosphamide and vincristine according to the ACO-protocol. Between the third and fourth course of chemotherapy the primary tumor region was irradiated with a dose of 50 to 60 Gy. In addition, the cranium and the parts of the mediastinum, which were not yet invaded by the tumor received irradiation with 30 Gy. The complete remission rate was 71% (10 out of 14 patients) in limited disease and 29% (6 out of 21 patients) in extensive disease. The median survival time was 13 months in LD and 7 in ED. The relapses occurred mainly outside the fields of the radiation. Only 3 of the 16 patients who achieved a complete remission relapsed in the irradiated field. In contrast to the results obtained with combined chemo- and radiotherapy with doses of only 30-40 Gy to the primary area, there was better local control of the tumor but without a better remission rate or survival time. The toxicity was not increased by the high dose irradiation.