title: Docetaxel in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) -- an observational study focusing on symptom improvement.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Results of an observational study on docetaxel-based therapy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with focus on symptom control and therapy response, are reported.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 233 patients with NSCLC treated with docetaxel-containing therapy were analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The pre-existing symptoms of cough, dyspnea and pain markedly improved after three cycles of docetaxel-based therapy. Regression of symptoms was strongly associated with therapy response, but unexpectedly, patients with stable disease had also a substantial benefit. Alltogether, the response after three cycles was complete in 0.9% and partial in 26.6% of patients, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Symptom control was achieved in the majority of cases, which received three cycles of docetaxel-based therapy. Thus, a clinical benefit was regularly reached shortly after initiation of chemotherapy.
authors.affiliation: Medical University of Innsbruck, Department of Internal Medicine V, Anichstrasse 35, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria. andreas.pircher@i-med.ac.at.
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pircher
authors.forename: Ines Kristin
authors.initials: IK
authors.lastname: Wasle
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mian
authors.forename: Gabriele
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gamerith
authors.forename: Ernst
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ulsperger
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Studnicka
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mohn-Staudner
authors.forename: Wolfgang
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Hilbe
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fiegl
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000077143:Docetaxel; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D043823:Taxoids / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D043823:Taxoids; D000077143:Docetaxel
keywords: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC); docetaxel (Taxotere®); observational study; symptom control