title: Paclitaxel as a radiation sensitizer in non-small cell lung cancer.
abstract: The new anticancer agent paclitaxel (Taxol; Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, NJ) has demonstrated in vitro radiation-sensitizing effects. In this phase I study, paclitaxel in escalating doses was administered weekly with concurrent radiation therapy to patients with regionally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The goal was to determine the maximum tolerated dose of paclitaxel in this combination, to identify toxicities, and to evaluate response. Twenty-seven patients with NSCLC were enrolled into a phase I trial of concurrent paclitaxel and radiation therapy administered as a 3-hour infusion each week for 6 weeks. The paclitaxel doses ranged from 10 to 70 mg/m2/wk. Radiation therapy was delivered with weekly paclitaxel as 40 Gy in 20 fractions to the original volume with a boost of 20 Gy in 10 fractions to the primary tumor. Esophagitis was the dose-limiting toxicity at a maximum tolerated dose of 60 mg/m2/wk. The combination of concurrent radiation therapy and weekly outpatient paclitaxel can be safely delivered to patients with NSCLC at a dose of 60 mg/m2. Esophagitis appeared to be the dose-limiting toxicity. A phase II study of concurrent paclitaxel and radiation therapy is under way.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Therapy, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence 02903, USA.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Choy
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Browne
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004941:Esophagitis / Q000139:chemically induced; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017239:Paclitaxel / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011838:Radiation-Sensitizing Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D011838:Radiation-Sensitizing Agents; D017239:Paclitaxel