Objectives: Evaluate the effectiveness and toxicity of combination chemotherapy of the first step for small cell lung cancer (SCLC) by Adriamycine-Etoposide-Ifosfamide (AVI). Patients and methods: Patients with SCLC diagnosed and indicated chemotherapy in the Respiratory Department, Haut-Leveque Hospital, Medical University Center of Bordeaux from 01/2003 to 12/2007 were evaluated for entry into the study.