Abstract: Objective : To evaluate the efficacy and safety of topotecan with DDP as chemotherapy for small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Methods : Sixty cases of previously treated and untreated SCLC patients were enrolled Test group: TP ( Topotecsn+DDP), Control group: PE (VP-16+DDP), Topotecan was given a 30-min intraverous infusion at the dose of 1.20mg/m²/day for 5 days. DDP 80mg/m² iv drip and it was used for three days. VP-16 100mg/m² iv drip d1,3, 5. Repeated 3 weeks for 1 cycle. Efficacy was evaluated after two courses and safety after one course. Results : Sixty patients went through the treatment schedule with 8 CR, 30 PR with a total effective rate of 63.3% in the test group. Bone marrow suppression was the dominate side effect. Non-hemotological side effects were slight and tolerable.In the comtrol group, sixty patients went through the treatment schedule with 6 CR, 34 PR with a total effective rate of 66.7%. There was no-significant difference between these two groups (P>0.05). Conclusions : Topotecan with DDP appears to be an effective first-line or second-line chemotherapeutic agents for SCLC and more effective for previously local patients.