ISSN:
1569-8041
Keywords:
carboplatin
;
chemotherapy
;
gemcitabine
;
non-small-cell lung cancer
;
paclitaxel
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Background:The combination of paclitaxel (P) and carboplatin (C)is an effective treatment for advanced NSCLC. Gemcitabine (G) is an active newdrug. We planned a phase I study to find the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) ofthe PCG combination. A phase II study was subsequently conducted to evaluatethe activity and toxicity of PCG. Patients and methods:Forty-five patients entered the study.Twenty-eight had stage IIIA–B disease, 17 stage IV. In the phase Istudy, with a fixed dose of C at AUC = 6 on day 1, P was escalated usingincrements of 25 mg/m2 starting from 175 mg/m2 on day1 and G with increments of 200 mg/m2 starting from 800mg/m2 on day 1 and 8. Results:Fourteen patients entered the phase I study. The MTD wasreached at P 200 mg/m2, C AUC = 6 and G 1000 mg/m2.Neutropenic fever and grade 3 diarrhea were the dose limiting toxicities.Thirty-one patients were treated in the phase II study with P 175mg/m2, C AUC = 6 and G 1000 mg/m2. Response rate was57% (68% in stage III and 47% in stage IV).Myelosuppression was the main toxicity, with grade 3–4 leukopeniaoccurring in 35% of cases. Grade 3 anemia was observed in 24%of cases and grade 3–4 thrombocytopenia occurred in 34% ofpatients. Non-hematological toxicity was mild. Median survival and one-yearactuarial survival were 20.5 months and 74% for stage III and 11.5months and 47% for stage IV. Conclusions:PCG is a promising regimen for treating advancedNSCLC. A phase III study comparing PCG to paclitaxel plus carboplatin inadvanced NSCLC is ongoing. On the other hand, we are planning to introduce thePCG regimen in the treatment of stage II–III patients in the setting ofa multimodality treatment.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1026527004596
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