The current role and future prospects of paclitaxel in the treatment of small cell lung cancer.
When combination regimens containing a platinum compound and etoposide are used, median survivals in patients with extensive- and limited-stage small cell lung cancer are 7 to 10 months and 15 to 20 months, respectively. A recent randomized trial demonstrated equivalent efficacy and decreased toxicity with carboplatin/etoposide compared with cisplatin/etoposide. Because of excellent single-agent activity, paclitaxel (Taxol; Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, NJ) has been recently added to various platinum/etoposide combinations. Phase I/II studies with paclitaxel/cisplatin/etoposide and paclitaxel/carboplatin/etoposide have demonstrated excellent activity with acceptable toxicity. Ongoing phase III trials will better define the contribution of paclitaxel to standard platinum/etoposide regimens. In addition, phase II trials of novel paclitaxel combinations (e.g., paclitaxel/topotecan, paclitaxel/carboplatin/topotecan) are ongoing.
Hainsworth
J D
JD
Sarah Cannon-Minnie Pearl Cancer Center, Nashville, TN 37203, USA.
Greco
F A
FA
D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018288:Carcinoma, Small Cell / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017239:Paclitaxel / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D017239:Paclitaxel