[A clinical study on the combination of gemcitabine and cisplatin in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer].
BACKGROUND
To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of the combination of gemcitabine and cisplatin in the treatment of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).


METHODS
Forty-three patients with locally advanced (stage IIIB) or metastatic (stage IV) NSCLC were enrolled into the study. The patients received gemcitabine 1 000 mg/m² on day 1,8 and 15, and cisplatin 30 mg/m² on day 1-3 of the 28-day cycle; or gemcitabine 1 200 mg/m² on day 1 and 8, cisplatin 30 mg/m² on day 1-3, administered in 21-day cycle.


RESULTS
An objective response was obtained in 48.8% of patients (one complete and 20 partial responses), whereas 13 patients had stable disease and 9 patients were progressive. The response rate was 62.5% in patients with no prior chemotherapy, and the response rate of 31.6% was achieved in patients who had been given prior treatment. Significant difference existed between the two groups (P<0.05). The main toxicities were leukopenia and thrombocytopenia.


CONCLUSIONS
The combination of gemcitabine and cisplatin is a feasible, well-tolerated, and active scheme in the treatment of advanced NSCLC.
Cancer Center, The First University Hospital, West China University of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R.China.
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M
Hou
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H
Li
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M
Qiu
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L
Li
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X
Yan