title: Phase II study of docetaxel and cisplatin in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Docetaxel (Taxotere, Rhone-Poulenc Rorer, Antony, France) and cisplatin are two of the most active single agents used in the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A recently reported phase I study of the combination of docetaxel and cisplatin recommended a dose of 75 mg/m2 of both drugs every 3 weeks for subsequent phase II study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eligible patients were aged 18 to 75 years with a World Health Organization (WHO) performance status < or = 2 and life expectancy > or = 12 weeks, with metastatic and/or locally advanced NSCLC proven histologically or cytologically. Patients were not permitted to have received prior chemotherapy, extensive radiotherapy, or any radiotherapy to the target lesion and must have had measurable disease. Concurrent treatment with colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) or prophylactic antibiotics was not permitted. Docetaxel (75 mg/m2) in 250 mL 5% dextrose was given intravenously (i.v.) over 1 hour immediately before cisplatin (75 mg/m2) in 500 mL normal saline given i.v. over 1 hour in 3-week cycles. Premedication included ondansetron, dexamethasone, promethazine, and standard hyperhydration with magnesium supplementation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 47 patients, two thirds of whom had metastatic disease, were entered onto this phase II study. The majority of patients were male (72%) and of good (WHO 0 to 1) performance status (85%). All 47 patients were assessable for toxicity and 36 were for response. Three patients were ineligible and eight (17%) discontinued treatment because of significant toxicity. In assessable patients, the overall objective response rate was 38.9% (95% confidence limits [CL], 23.1% to 56.5%), 36.1% had stable disease, and 25% progressive disease. On an intention-to-treat analysis, the objective response rate was 29.8%. Median survival was 9.6 months and estimated 1-year survival was 33%. Significant (grade 3/4) toxicities included nausea (26%), hypotension (15%), diarrhea (13%), and dyspnea mainly related to chest infection (13%). One patient experienced National Cancer Institute (NCI) grade 3 neurosensory toxicity after eight cycles. Grade 3/4 neutropenia was common and occurred in 87% of patients, but thrombocytopenia > or = grade 3 was rare (one patient). Significant (grade 3/4) abnormalities of magnesium levels were common (24%). Febrile neutropenia occurred in 13% of patients and neutropenic infection in 11%, contributing to two treatment-related deaths. No neutropenic enterocolitis or severe fluid retention was reported.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Compared with other active regimens used in this setting, the combination of docetaxel and cisplatin in advanced NSCLC is an active regimen with a similar toxicity profile to other combination regimens.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Oncology, Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre, Melbourne, Australia. zalcberg@petermac.unimelb.edu.au
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zalcberg
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Millward
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bishop
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: McKeage
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zimet
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Toner
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Friedlander
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Barter
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Rischin
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Loret
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: James
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Bougan
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Berille
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology; D002945:Cisplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D018450:Disease Progression; D000077143:Docetaxel; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017239:Paclitaxel / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D015996:Survival Rate; D043823:Taxoids
chemical_list: D043823:Taxoids; D000077143:Docetaxel; D017239:Paclitaxel; D002945:Cisplatin