[A case of survival--excellent response to chemotherapy in long-term postoperative recurrence of non-small cell lung cancer].

A 63-year-old female underwent lobectomy with ND2a lymph node dissection for left lung cancer in April 1999. Histopathological examination revealed moderately-differentiated adenocarcinoma (pT2N2M0, pStage III A). She received one course of a combination of etoposide (ETP) and cisplatin(CDDP)as adjuvant therapy, followed by oral intake of UFT. At 9 months post-operatively, she received radiation therapy for lymph node recurrence, at which time new multiple lung metastases were found. After receiving 3 courses of a combination of vinorelbine (VNR) and CDDP, a complete response (CR) of all metastatic lesions was achieved. Three years after the original surgery, metastatic lesions recurred, and a total of 9 courses of a combination of VNR and carboplatin (CBDCA) and partial resection of the right lung for pulmonary metastasis were performed in succession. Following this therapy, treatment with gefitinib was initiated for about 6 months, and computed tomography (CT) showed progressive disease. For 8 years following the original operation, the patient received oral chemotherapy using S-1 and has maintained CR on CT. We conclude that oral administration of S-1 is useful as palliative chemotherapy without serious adverse events or worsening of quality of life. Patients like this case are thus able to continue chemotherapy for a long time.