Induction docetaxel and carboplatin followed by weekly docetaxel and carboplatin with concurrent radiotherapy, then surgery in stage III non-small cell lung cancer: a Phase I study.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the maximum-tolerated dose of docetaxel (DOC) in combination with carboplatin (CAR) and thoracic radiotherapy (RT), in the setting of trimodality treatment of patients with stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).


METHODS
Thirty-two patients with biopsy-proven stage IIIA (n = 20) or IIIB (n = 12) NSCLC were given two initial cycles of CAR (area under the curve = 6) and DOC (75 mg/m(2)), subsequent RT (54 Gy) with concurrent weekly CAR (area under the curve = 2), and DOC at six dose levels from 10 to 40 mg/m(2), then surgery if the patient's disease was resectable.


RESULTS
Three patients did not complete induction computed tomography (CT). Twenty-nine patients received concurrent CT/RT. Fifteen patients were eligible for surgery. Dose-limiting toxicities occurred in 2 patients, at dose levels two (atrial fibrillation) and three (transaminitis). The maximum-tolerated dose, as defined by the protocol, was not reached, although grade 3 and 4 toxicities were encountered at all dose levels. The most common more than or equal to grades 3 toxicities were neutropenia, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. Four patients (13.3%) responded to induction CT. Ten patients (38.5%) responded to CT/RT. Eight surgical patients (57.1%) were downstaged, including 3 pathologic complete responses. Median relapse free and overall survivals are 8.5 and 12 months. One-year and estimated 2-year survival rates are 56.3 and 34.3%.


CONCLUSIONS
This new regimen for stage III NSCLC of induction CAR/DOC, then weekly CAR/DOC with concurrent RT followed by surgery, can be safely administered and offers encouraging results. DOC at 30 mg/m(2) in combination with CAR and RT is recommended for Phase II study.
Department of Adult Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
Lori J
LJ
Wirth
Joan
J
Lucca
Patricia
P
Ostler
Panos
P
Fidias
Cathy
C
Lynch
Pasi A
PA
Jänne
Roy S
RS
Herbst
Bruce E
BE
Johnson
David J
DJ
Sugarbaker
Douglas J
DJ
Mathisen
Jeanne M
JM
Lukanich
Noah C
NC
Choi
Stuart M
SM
Berman
Arthur T
AT
Skarin
D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016190:Carboplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D000077143:Docetaxel; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D020714:Maximum Tolerated Dose; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D012074:Remission Induction; D043823:Taxoids / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D043823:Taxoids; D000077143:Docetaxel; D016190:Carboplatin