Phase II trial of gemcitabine and cisplatin sequentially administered in Asian patients with unresectable or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to assess toxicity and response in the sequential administration of gemcitabine followed by cisplatin in unresectable or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.


METHODS
Twenty-three patients were enrolled in this study. Gemcitabine was given at 1,250 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8, for four 21-day cycles.


RESULTS
There were 4 patients with partial responses. 5 patients with stable disease and 10 patients with progressive disease, giving a response rate of 21%. The median time to disease progression was 3.3 months. The median overall survival was 14.6 months. Toxicities graded 3 or 4 included anaemia (13.0%), neutropaenia (13.0%), supraventricular tachycardia (4.3%), and nausea and vomiting (4.3%).


CONCLUSIONS
Although these results show similar efficacy to single-agent treatment regimens, the low toxicity profile and promising survival outcome with this regimen are important points for consideration.
Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre, Singapore.
D
D
Poon
K F
KF
Foo
L
L
Chew
S S
SS
Leong
J
J
Wee
E H
EH
Tan
D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002945:Cisplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003841:Deoxycytidine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012846:Singapore; D000093542:Gemcitabine
D003841:Deoxycytidine; D002945:Cisplatin; D000093542:Gemcitabine