Carboplatin/pemetrexed/bevacizumab in the treatment of patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: a single-institution experience.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and tolerability of carboplatin, pemetrexed, and bevacizumab in patients with advanced, nonsquamous non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).


METHODS
The charts of consecutive patients with stage IIIB/IV nonsquamous NSCLC were reviewed. All patients receiving at least 1 cycle of the 3-drug regimen (pemetrexed 500 mg/m2, carboplatin area under the curve of 5-6, bevacizumab 15 mg/kg intravenously), were included for assessment of response, safety, and toxicity.


RESULTS
A total of 27 patients received this regimen between February 2008 and July 2009; 63% were women. Median follow-up was 6.3 months (range, 1.6-21.1 months). Median number of cycles was 6 (range, 1-6 cycles); 67% completed 6 cycles; 83% went on to receive maintenance bevacizumab/pemetrexed. Among those who received maintenance, the median number of cycles administered was 4.5 (range, 1-18 cycles). Response rate was 52%; stable disease was observed in another 40%. On the basis of Kaplan-Meier analysis, actuarial overall survival was 83% at 12 months; actuarial progression-free survival was 83% and 63% at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Clinical improvement was noted in 41% of the patients, with clinical stability in another 48%. Grade 2 and 3 toxicities from the regimen included anemia (11% and 15%), fatigue (37% and 7.4%), febrile neutropenia (7.4%; grade 3 only), thrombocytopenia (7.4% and 0), and thromboembolic disorders (3.7% and 3.7%). Bevacizumab-induced side effects (any grade) included headaches (22.2%), epistaxis (30%), hemoptysis (3.7%), and hypertension (11%). No grade 4 or 5 toxicities were seen.


CONCLUSIONS
Combination carboplatin/pemetrexed and bevacizumab followed by maintenance therapy with pemetrexed/bevacizumab is effective, with response rates > 50%, acceptable toxicity, and promising early survival in patients with advanced nonsquamous NSCLC.
Malhotra
Binu
B
Division of Thoracic Oncology, Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104 , USA.
Evans
Tracey
T
Weiss
Jared
J
Eaby
Beth
B
Stonehouse-Lee
Susan
S
Sherry
Victoria
V
Langer
Corey J
CJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000068258:Bevacizumab; D016190:Carboplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D005260:Female; D005971:Glutamates / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D006147:Guanine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D006801:Humans; D053208:Kaplan-Meier Estimate; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D000068437:Pemetrexed; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D005971:Glutamates; D000068437:Pemetrexed; D000068258:Bevacizumab; D006147:Guanine; D016190:Carboplatin