Single agent gemcitabine in the second-line treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer after treatment with taxane + platinum regimens.
In this study, we investigated the activity of single agent gemcitabine in the second-line setting of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). File records of 21 patients treated with single agent gemcitabine in advanced NSCLC who received one prior chemotherapy including a taxane and platinum combination were retrospectively evaluated. Treatment consisted of IV gemcitabine 1,250 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8, followed by a 1-week rest repeated every 3 weeks. A partial response was achieved in four (19%) patients. The median response duration was 16 (range, 12-32) weeks. Six (29%) patients had a SD more than 3 months. The median time to progression was 16 (range, 8-32) weeks. No complete response was observed. Median overall survival was 36 weeks for second-line gemcitabine in all patients (95%: CI 5-13 months). Hematological toxicity (all grades) was reported by 9 (42.9%) patients. One (4.75%) patient experienced grade 3/4 neutropenia. Grade 3/4 nausea and vomiting and mucositis were reported in one (4.75%) patient. In conclusion, this study shows that single agent gemcitabine is active and well tolerated as a second-line therapy for advanced NSCLC.
Coskun
Ugur
U
Department of Medical Oncology, Gazi University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey. ugurcos@hotmail.com
Kaya
Ali Osman
AO
Buyukberber
Süleyman
S
Benekli
Mustafa
M
Uner
Aytug
A
Dikilitas
Mustafa
M
Ozturk
Banu
B
Yildiz
Ramazan
R
Ozkan
Secil
S
Yaman
Emel
E
Yamac
Deniz
D
D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016190:Carboplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D002945:Cisplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003841:Deoxycytidine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077143:Docetaxel; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D017239:Paclitaxel / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D043823:Taxoids / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000093542:Gemcitabine
D043823:Taxoids; D003841:Deoxycytidine; D000077143:Docetaxel; D016190:Carboplatin; D017239:Paclitaxel; D002945:Cisplatin; D000093542:Gemcitabine