Carboplatin and etoposide in an out-patient schedule for the palliation of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer.
OBJECTIVE
In Western countries, non-small-cell lung cancer is the most important cause of cancer-related death. To date, medical treatment for advanced stages remains of a palliative nature.


METHODS
Forty-four patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer were treated in a phase II study with carboplatin and etoposide (each at 60 mg/m2 daily) in a 5-day schedule. Among 44 patients, 18 (40%) had stage IIIB disease and 26 (60%) had stage IV disease.


RESULTS
Treatment was well tolerated, and the only significant side effect was alopecia. The overall response rate was 27% with 2 complete remissions; median survival time was 10.4 months. One of the 2 patients achieving a complete remission was still alive and disease free at 36 months from the start of therapy. An improvement of performance status was observed in 22 patients (50%).


CONCLUSIONS
The combinations of carboplatin and etoposide using this schedule appears to be well tolerated and has some activity in the palliation of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer.
Aitini
E
E
Department of Medical Oncology, Ospedale Carlo Poma, Mantova, Italy.
Cavazzini
G
G
Cantore
M
M
Rabbi
C
C
Malaspina
R
R
Truzzi
R
R
Fazion
S
S
Pari
F
F
Mambrini
A
A
Zamagni
D
D
D000368:Aged; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016190:Carboplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005047:Etoposide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010166:Palliative Care; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D005047:Etoposide; D016190:Carboplatin