Modified, weekly dosing with docetaxel and cisplatin as first-line therapy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
BACKGROUND
Platinum-based combination chemotherapy regimens provide modest improvement in both survival and quality of life for patients with non-small cell lung cancers and docetaxel is the first agent approved for both first- and second-line treatment in patients with advanced disease. However, the regimens are associated with adverse effects.


METHODS
We used a modified, shortened regimen with only 2 consecutive weekly infusions of docetaxel followed by rest for 1 week, and evaluated the efficacy and toxicity profiles in patients undergoing treatment for non-small cell lung cancers. Thirty-five patients (19 men, 16 women) with advanced non-small cell lung cancers received docetaxel (35 mg/m2 i.v. infusion on days 1 and 8) with cisplatin (60 mg/m2 i.v. infusion on day 8) in 126 cycles.


RESULTS
Two of the 35 patients achieved complete response (5.7%), while 16 patients achieved partial response (45.7%). The overall response rate was 51.4% and median overall survival was 10.6 months. The toxicities were mild; the most common grades 3 and 4 toxicities were anaemia (5.6%), neutropenia (4.8%) and vomiting (5.6%). Other grades 3 and 4 non-haematological toxicities included diarrhoea (3.2%), neurotoxicity (0.8%), asthenia (0.8%) and phlebitis (0.8%).


CONCLUSIONS
Combination chemotherapy with cisplatin and 2 consecutive weekly infusions of docetaxel can be considered an active and well-tolerated regimen with a good response rate and less toxicity for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancers.
Hsiao
Shih-Chuan
SC
Department of Haema-Oncology, National Cheng Kung University College of Medicine and Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan.
Su
Wu-Chou
WC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D002945:Cisplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D000077143:Docetaxel; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D043823:Taxoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects
D043823:Taxoids; D000077143:Docetaxel; D002945:Cisplatin