Etoposide and split-dose cisplatin in bronchogenic carcinoma

The Hoosier Oncology Group (HOG) treated 13 patients with bronchogenic carcinoma with an innovative schedule of cisplatin and VP-16. Unexpected toxicity was noted, with five deaths secondary to granulocytopenia and septic shock and three episodes of renal failure. Despite early closure of this study, we conclude that this schedule of cisplatin and VP-16 results in greater toxicity than comparable dosages in a more routine schedule.