[Chemotherapy of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and changes in serum sAPO-1/Fas and nitric oxide (NO) levels].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the therapeutic efficacy, toxic side effects, and changes in serum level of sAPO-1/Fas and nitric oxide(NO) in NSCLC patients treated with VM-26, epirubicin (EPI) and cisplatin (VED regimen).


METHODS
Forty-two cases of advanced NSCLC patients (squamous-cell carcinoma, 28; adenocarcinoma, 12; undifferentiated cancer, 2) were treated with 2 cycles of VED. Serum sAPO-1/Fas level was determined by ELISA method, and NO level by enzymatic method before and after treatment.


RESULTS
The overall response rate was 47.6% (20/42). Serum sAPO-1/Fas level in patients with squamous-cell carcinoma who responded to treatment was significantly lower than that before treatment. The post-chemotherapy serum NO level was significantly higher than that before chemotherapy in responsive patients with squamous-cell cancer as well as in adenocarcinoma.


CONCLUSIONS
Combination chemotherapy with VM-26, EPI and DDP can be useful in the treatment of patients with advanced NSCLC. Serum sAPO-1/Fas and NO levels could be used to monitor treatment effect.
Zhou
J
J
First Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China.
Zhu
Q
Q
Yao
H
H
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy; D002945:Cisplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D015251:Epirubicin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000097:blood*; D013713:Teniposide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D019014:fas Receptor / Q000097:blood*
D019014:fas Receptor; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D015251:Epirubicin; D013713:Teniposide; D002945:Cisplatin