Despite the fact that a substantial response rate may be obtained in small-cell lung cancers
(using double-drug chemotherapy: cisplatin-etoposide, PE), a cure remains an exception. More
aggressive regimens remain controversial and recent attempts at increasing dose-intensity
have been restricted to patients with a more favourable presentation.
Bevacizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody which binds to VEGF (Vascular Endothelial
Growth Factor). In association with double-drug standard chemotherapies, it has been proven
that bevacizumab can improve survival of previously untreated advanced non-small-cell lung
cancers (NSCLC), compared to chemotherapy without bevacizumab). Such promising effects on
NSCLC deserve to be tested on small-cell lung cancers.
In this trial (IFCT-0802), standard chemotherapy (PCDE or PE) will be compared to
experimental treatment (PCDE or PE + bevacizumab 7.5 mg/kg) for previously untreated SCLC
patients.
Phase:
Phase 2/Phase 3
Details
Lead Sponsor:
Intergroupe Francophone de Cancerologie Thoracique