Phase II study of combination chemotherapy with S-1 and weekly cisplatin in patients with previously untreated advanced non-small cell lung cancer

We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combination chemotherapy with S-1 and low-dose weekly cisplatin in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this phase II trial, previously untreated patients with stage IIIB/IV NSCLC were treated with oral administration of S-1 at 80 mg/m(2) for 21 days and three consecutive weekly low doses of cisplatin (25 mg/m(2)) followed by a 2-week rest period. Twenty-six patients were eligible for the assessment of efficacy and safety. Six partial responses were observed with an overall response rate of 23.1% (95% confidence interval: 12.3-31.6%). The median survival time and median progression-free survival were 13.4 months and 5.4 months, respectively. Grade 3/4 hematologic toxicities were observed in 9 patients (34.6%), including one grade 4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. As for non-hematologic adverse reactions, although grade 3 events were observed in 4 patients (15.3%), no severe renal toxicity or vomiting was found. S-1 and weekly low-dose cisplatin combination chemotherapy in patients with advanced NSCLC showed an acceptable response rate, overall survival time, and toxicity. Because this regimen can be performed in an outpatient setting, it might be an alternative useful and convenient option. Further investigations with a large population are required to confirm our results.     

A multi-institutional phase II study of combination chemotherapy with S-1 plus cisplatin in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer

S-1 is an oral anticancer fluoropyrimidine agent designed to elevate anticancer activity with a decrease in gastrointestinal toxicity. We conducted a phase II study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combination chemotherapy with S-1 plus cisplatin in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Chemotherapy-na?ve patients were treated with S-1 administered orally at 40 mg/m(2) twice a day for 21 consecutive days, and cisplatin (60 mg/m(2)) infused intravenously on day 8, repeated every 5 weeks. Of the 44 patients enrolled in the study, 40 were assessable for efficacy and safety. The median number of cycles administered was 3 (range 1-9 cycles). Among the 40 assessable patients, 7 partial responses were observed, with an overall response rate (RR) of 17.5% [95% confidence interval (CI), 5.2-29.8]. Patients with squamous cell carcinoma showed a significantly higher RR (55.5%) than those with adenocarcinoma (9.1%) or other types of NSCLC (0%). The median progression-free survival was 4.3 months (95% CI, 3.4-4.9), the median survival time was 17.9 months (95% CI, 15.0-20.8), and the 1- and 2-year survival rates were 63.3 and 27.3%, respectively. Major grade 3-4 hematologic toxicities were leukocytopenia (7.5%), neutropenia (5.0%), anemia (15.0%) and thrombocytopenia (2.5%). No grade 4 non-hematologic toxicity or treatment-related death occurred. These results suggest that combination chemotherapy with S-1 plus cisplatin is a promising therapeutic candidate for patients with advanced NSCLC, particularly squamous cell carcinoma.     

GP 和 NP 方案治疗晚期非小细胞肺癌的对照研究

目的：探讨吉西他滨联合顺铂（GP）及去甲长春花碱联合顺铂（NP）方案治疗晚期非小细胞肺癌的疗效及毒副反应。方法：晚期非小细胞肺癌30例以GP方案、27例以NP方案化疗，治疗2周期后评价疗效和不良反应。结果：有效率GP组46．7％，NP组为44．4％；中位生存期11．8个月和9．5个月；1年生存率为63．6％和59．1％，两组无统计学差异（P〉0．05），主要不良反应为血液学毒性。结论：GP和NP方案治疗晚期非小细胞肺癌的疗效肯定且相似，二者的不良反应可以耐受。     

Phase II study of combination therapy with S-1 and irinotecan for advanced non-small cell lung cancer: west Japan thoracic oncology group 3505

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of combination therapy with the oral fluoropyrimidine formulation S-1 and irinotecan for patients with advanced NSCLC. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Chemotherapy-naive patients with advanced NSCLC were treated with i.v. irinotecan (150 mg/m2) on day 1 and with oral S-1 (80 mg/m2) on days 1 to 14 every 3 weeks. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients (median age, 63 years; range, 40-74 years) received a total of 286 treatment cycles (median, 5; range, 1-15). No complete responses and 16 partial responses were observed, giving an overall response rate of 28.6% [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 17.3-42.2%]. Twenty-four patients (42.9%) had stable disease and 12 patients (21.4%) had progressive disease as the best response. The overall disease control rate (complete response + partial response + stable disease) was thus 71.4% (95% CI, 57.8-82.7%). Median progression-free survival was 4.9 months (95% CI, 4.0-6.4 months), whereas median overall survival was 15 months. Hematologic toxicities of grade 3 or 4 included neutropenia (25%), thrombocytopenia (3.6%), and anemia (3.6%), with febrile neutropenia being observed in four patients (7.1%). The most common nonhematologic toxicities of grade 3 or 4 included anorexia (14.3%), fatigue (8.9%), and diarrhea (8.9%). There were no deaths attributed to treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of S-1 and irinotecan is a potential alternative option with a favorable toxicity profile for the treatment of advanced NSCLC. This nonplatinum regimen warrants further evaluation in randomized trials.     

Phase II study of oral S-1 plus cisplatin with bevacizumab for advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer

Background

We conducted a phase II study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of S-1 plus cisplatin with bevacizumab followed by maintenance bevacizumab in patients with advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Patients and methods

Chemotherapy-naïve patients received S-1 plus cisplatin with bevacizumab. S-1 (80 mg/m²) was administered orally twice daily for 14 days, cisplatin (60 mg/m²) on day 1, and bevacizumab (15 mg/kg) on day 1 and every 3 weeks for 4–6 cycles. Patients with an objective response or stable disease received maintenance bevacizumab every 3 weeks until disease progression.

Results

Thirty patients were enrolled in this study. The median number of chemotherapy was four (range, 1–6 cycles), and the median number of bevacizumab alone was three (range, 1–31 cycles). The grade 3/4 toxicities were neutropaenia (23%), thrombocytopaenia (10%), febrile neutropaenia (3%), hypertension (17%), pneumonia (7%), and bowel perforation (3%). The objective response rate was 71% (95% CI, 55–88%) for a disease control rate of 100%. The median progression-free and overall survival times were 7.0 months and 20.0 months, respectively.

Conclusions

S-1 plus cisplatin with bevacizumab is an active and well-tolerated regimen in patients with chemotherapy-naïve non-squamous NSCLC.     

低剂量持续静脉滴注吉西他滨一线治疗晚期非小细胞肺癌的临床研究

背景与目的:目前已将吉西他滨联合顺铂作为晚期非小细胞肺癌的一线化疗方案,吉西他滨的常规使用剂量和方法是1000mg/m2半小时静脉滴注,第1、8天,每3周为一个疗程。本研究旨在评价低剂量吉西他滨持续6h静脉滴注联合顺铂一线治疗晚期非小细胞肺癌的有效性和安全性。方法:48例经病理和/或细胞学检查确诊、未经化疗的晚期非小细胞肺癌患者,采用吉西他滨250mg/m2持续静脉滴注6h,第1、8天,顺铂75mg/m2,每3周为一疗程,连续使用2疗程以上。结果:48例患者中46例可评价疗效,所有患者可评价不良反应。完全缓解率2.2%,部分缓解率30.3%,总有效率为32.5%,中位治疗至进展时间为5.1个月,中位生存时间为10.2个月,1年生存率36.6%。白细胞减少发生率为60.4%,血小板减少发生率为39.5%,Ⅲ～Ⅳ度的白细胞和血小板减少发生率分别为20.8%和12.5%。结论:低剂量吉西他滨持续6h静脉滴注联合顺铂一线治疗晚期非小细胞肺癌疗效确切、不良反应轻。     

Sequential chemotherapy with paclitaxel plus cisplatin, followed by vinorelbine, followed by gemcitabine in advanced non-small cell lung cancer: an Alpe-Adria Thoracic Oncology Multidisciplinary group study (ATOM 001)

Aim of this study was to determine the activity and toxicity of a sequential chemotherapy regimen in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Fifty-one previously untreated stage IIIB/IV NSCLC patients were enrolled to receive two cycles of cisplatin plus paclitaxel (80/175 mg/m(2) every 21 days), followed by two cycles of vinorelbine (30 mg/m(2) on days 1 and 8 every 21 days), followed by two cycles of gemcitabine (1000 mg/m(2) on days 1, 8, and 15 every 28 days). Forty-one patients (82%) completed the planned six cycles. Grade 3-4 neutropenia was the major toxicity (41% of patients) and it was mainly associated with vinorelbine administration. Response rate after cisplatin plus paclitaxel was 18%; this percentage increased to 41% after vinorelbine, and it reached 43% upon completion of the entire six cycle treatment program. Median survival time was 14.4 months, 1-year survival rate was 53%, and 2-year survival rate was 18%. Median time to disease progression was 6.8 months. This sequential chemotherapy regimen is feasible and active in patients with advanced NSCLC. This pilot experience provides the basis for an ongoing randomized phase III trial comparing our sequential regimen versus cisplatin plus gemcitabine.     

Sequential chemotherapy of cisplatin and vinorelbine followed by paclitaxel and gemcitabine in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. A single institution phase II study

BACKGROUND: To determine the activity and safety of a sequential regimen of cisplatin and vinorelbine followed by paclitaxel and gemcitabine in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Treatment was two cycles of cisplatin 80 mg/m(2) on day 1 and vinorelbine 30 mg/m(2) on days 1 and 8 every 3 weeks followed by two cycles of paclitaxel 175 mg/m(2) on day 1 and gemcitabine 1250 mg/m(2) on days 1 and 8 every 3 weeks. RESULTS: Fifty-five patients with inoperable NSCLC, performance status 2 or less were enrolled, including 19 patients with brain lesions. There were 23 partial responses (42%; 95% confidence interval 29-55). The median time to progression and overall survival were 5.8 and 10.3 months, respectively (6.5 and 12.8 in the patient subset without brain metastases). One-year survival rate was 47.5%. Grade III/IV neutropenia was the major side effect; it occurred in 56% of patients and was mainly limited to the first two chemotherapy cycles with cisplatin and vinorelbine. CONCLUSIONS: Sequential combination of cisplatin and vinorelbine followed by paclitaxel and gemcitabine is a manageable and active regimen for patients with NSCLC. It deserves to be tested against a standard two-drug scheme in a phase III trial.     

NP和GP方案治疗晚期非小细胞肺癌疗效比较

[目的]探讨吉西他滨联合顺铂方案(GP)及异长春花碱联合顺铂方案(NP)治疗晚期非小细胞肺癌的疗效及毒副反应.[方法]晚期非小细胞肺癌35例采用GP方案,38例采用NP方案,治疗2个周期后评价疗效及毒副反应.[结果]总有效率GP组为45.8%,NP组为52.6%;中位生存期分别为10.5和9.9个月,两组比较无显著性差异(P＞0.05).主要的毒副反应为血液毒性.[结论]GP和NP方案治疗晚期非小细胞肺癌疗效肯定且相似,毒副反应可以耐受.     

吉西他滨联合顺铂方案二线治疗晚期非小细胞肺癌的临床观察

目的：观察吉西他滨联合顺铂二线治疗晚期非小细胞肺癌的疗效及毒性反应。方法：从2000年3月～2004年10月对38例晚期非小细胞肺癌患者采用二线化疗,入组患者均经病理组织学证实,有可测量病灶,具体为吉西他滨1000mg／m。第1、8天,顺铂80mg/m^2,分3天应用,21天为1个周期。化疗2个周期后评价疗效及毒副反应。结果：所有患者均可评价,总共进行108周期的化疗。完全缓解（CR）0例,部分缓解（PR）11例,稳定（SD）12例,进展（PD）15例,总有效率28．9％。中位缓解时间4．5月,中位生存时间7．8月。主要不良反应为血液学毒性,其中Ⅲ／Ⅳ度的中性粒细胞下降、血小板下降和血红蛋白下降分别为18．5％（20／108）、11．1％（12／108）和8．3％（9／108）。其次为消化道毒性,Ⅲ／Ⅳ度的食欲下降和恶心呕吐分别为13．9％（15／108）和12．0％（13／108）。结论：吉西他滨联合顺铂对复治晚期非小细胞肺癌有较好疗效,毒副反应可以耐受。     

Phase II study of vinorelbine/ifosfamide/cisplatin for the treatment of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer

PURPOSE:: to evaluate the combination of vinorelbine, ifosfamide and cisplatin(VIP) in patients with advanced nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). PATIENTS AND METHODS:: Seventy-six untreated patients with stages IIIB-IV NSCLC; thechemotherapy regimen consisted of vinorelbine (25 mg/sqm ondays 1 and 8), ifosfamide (3 g/sqm on day 1 with uroprotectivemesna), and cisplatin (80 mg/sqm on day 1). The cycles wereadministered on an out patient basis every 3 weeks. RESULTS:: Leukopenia was the most frequent toxicity: grades 3–4neutropenia was observed in 26% of the cycles and 19 episodesof febrile neutropenia were reported in 289 evaluable courses.Filgrastim 5 µg/kg was administered in 27% of the courses.Sixty-seven of 76 patients were evaluable for response: theoverall response rate was 51% (95% confidence interval 35%–%)with 2 complete responses (3%) and 32 (48%) partial responses.No significant differences in response rate were observed accordingto histology or stage of disease. The median time to progressionwas 6 months (range 1 to 29+) and the median overall survival10 months (range 1–33+). CONCLUSION:: The combination of vinorelbine, ifosfamide and cisplatin inthe dose and schedule employed in this trial shows an interestingresponse rate with acceptable toxicities. This regimen shouldbe tested in the multimodality therapy of stage IIIA/B NSCLC. vinorelbine, ifosfamide, cisplatin, non-small-cell, lung cancer     

A phase II study of paclitaxel plus cisplatin for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer in Japanese patients

We performed a clinical phase II trial of the combination of paclitaxel and cisplatin in patients with locally advanced (stage IIIB) or metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using a 3-h infusion of paclitaxel followed by a 1 to 2-h infusion of cisplatin, with a short premedication regimen. Treatment was repeated every 21 days for at least two cycles. The patients received paclitaxel 180 mg/m2 followed by cisplatin 80 mg/m2. Enrolled in the trial were 33 chemotherapy-naive patients with stage IIIB (15%) or stage IV (85%) NSCLC. Their median age was 61 years (range 43-71 years). Of the 33 patients, 10 (30%) were women and 23 (70%) were men, and 82% had adenocarcinoma. With 78 courses of chemotherapy administered, 32 patients were evaluable for toxicity and response. Hematologic toxicities were moderate: Japan Clinical Oncology Group (JCOG) grade 3 or 4 neutropenia occurred in 37% of the cycles (53% of patients). Other toxicities consisted mainly of grade 1 or 2 alopecia and nausea/vomiting, but also included grade 1 or 2 neuropathy (47%), hypotension (grade 1 in 6%, grade 3 in 3%) and allergic reactions (grade 1 or 2 in 16%, grade 3 in 3%). Of 32 patients evaluable for response, a partial response was achieved in 10 (31%; 95% confidence interval 16% to 50%), stable disease was seen in 16 (50%), and disease progression was seen in 2 (6%). The median survival time was 14.8 months and the 1-year survival rate was 56%. These results suggest that the combination of paclitaxel and cisplatin is a well-tolerated and active regimen in Japanese patients with advanced NSCLC. In view of the promising survival outcomes, further evaluation in prospective randomized trials with other regimens is warranted.     

A phase II study with gemcitabine and split-dose cisplatin in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND: The combination of gemcitabine and cisplatin is among the most active regimens for the treatment of NSCLC. However, the optimal dose and schedule for administration of the two drugs has not yet been determined. We investigated the activity and toxicity of a gemcitabine and split-dose cisplatin regimen in an outpatient setting for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: From June 2004 to May 2005 patients with stage IIIB or IV who had not had prior chemotherapy entered the study. Treatment consisted of gemcitabine 1250 mg/m2 and cisplatin 35 mg/m2, both given intravenously on days 1 and 8 every 21 days. RESULTS: Forty-five patients were entered this study. Patient characteristics were as follows: male/female, 34/11; median age (range), 62 (30-76) years; ECOG PS 0/1/2, 7/30/8; stage IIIB/IV, 18/27. A total of 168 cycles were delivered, with a median of 4 cycles (range, 1-6). All patients were evaluable for toxicity. Grade 3 and 4 toxicities according to the NCI toxicity criteria included neutropenia in 8 patients (18%), anemia in 4 (9%), thrombocytopenia in 7 (15%), and emesis in 1 (2%). Of 42 patients assessable for response, 23 patients showed a partial remission. On intent-to-treat basis, the overall response rate was 51% (95% CI, 37-65%). Median time to progression was 6.0 months (range, 1.2-12.0 months) and median overall survival was 13.1 months (range, 1.4-17 months). CONCLUSIONS: This regimen with gemcitabine and split-dose cisplatin using a 21-day schedule appears to be active and very well-tolerated in an outpatients setting for patients with advanced NSCLC.     

A multicenter phase II study of sequential vinorelbine and cisplatin followed by docetaxel and gemcitabine in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer

PURPOSE: To evaluate the activity and toxicity of the sequential administration of vinorelbine/cisplatin (VC regimen) followed by the docetaxel/gemcitabine (DG regimen) combination in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). PATIENTS AND TREATMENT: Fifty-nine previously untreated patients with advanced/metastatic NSCLC received three cycles of cisplatin 80 mg/m(2) (day 1), and vinorelbine 30 mg/m(2) (days 1 and 8 every 3 weeks; VC regimen), followed by six cycles of docetaxel (65 mg/m(2), day 1) and gemcitabine (1,500 mg/m(2), day 1), (DG regimen) every 2 weeks. RESULTS: One (1.7%) complete and 26 (44.1%) partial responses were achieved for an overall response rate of 45.8% (95% CI 33.05-58.48%); 12 (20.3%) patients had stable disease and 20 (33.9%) progressive disease. The median time to progression was 5.3 months, the median survival time 12.5 months and the 1-year survival rate 51%. The main toxicity was grade III/IV neutropenia occurring in 25.5% of patients; all other hematologic and non-hematologic toxicities were relatively infrequent. CONCLUSIONS: The sequential administration of VC and DG regimens was well tolerated and active against advanced NSCLC and merits to be further evaluated against a single doublet.     

A randomized phase III trial of oral S-1 plus cisplatin versus docetaxel plus cisplatin in Japanese patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: TCOG0701 CATS trial

BackgroundPlatinum-based two-drug combination chemotherapy has been standard of care for patients with advanced nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The primary aim was to compare overall survival (OS) of patients with advanced NSCLC between the two chemotherapy regimens. Secondary end points included progression-free survival (PFS), response, safety, and quality of life (QoL).Patients and methodsPatients with previously untreated stage IIIB or IV NSCLC, an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0–1 and adequate organ function were randomized to receive either oral S-1 80 mg/m²/day on days 1–21 plus cisplatin 60 mg/m² on day 8 every 4–5 weeks, or docetaxel 60 mg/m² on day 1 plus cisplatin 80 mg/m² on day 1 every 3–4 weeks, both up to six cycles.ResultsA total of 608 patients from 66 sites in Japan were randomized to S-1 plus cisplatin (n = 303) or docetaxel plus cisplatin (n = 305). OS for oral S-1 plus cisplatin was noninferior to docetaxel plus cisplatin [median survival, 16.1 versus 17.1 months, respectively; hazard ratio = 1.013; 96.4% confidence interval (CI) 0.837–1.227]. Significantly higher febrile neutropenia (7.4% versus 1.0%), grade 3/4 neutropenia (73.4% versus 22.9%), grade 3/4 infection (14.5% versus 5.3%), and grade 1/2 alopecia (59.3% versus 12.3%) were observed in the docetaxel plus cisplatin than in the S-1 plus cisplatin. There were no differences found in PFS or response between the two arms. QoL data investigated by EORTC QLQ-C30 and LC-13 favored the S-1 plus cisplatin.ConclusionOral S-1 plus cisplatin is not inferior to docetaxel plus cisplatin and is better tolerated in Japanese patients with advanced NSCLC.Clinical trial numberUMIN000000608.     

Cisplatin and weekly docetaxel as first-line therapy in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer a phase II study

BACKGROUND: Based on the results of previous phase I studies, in the current phase II trial we evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of cisplatin plus weekly docetaxel in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The eligibility criteria for the study included newly diagnosed stage IIIB/IV NSCLC, age < or = 75 years, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0-2, adequate organ functions, and signed informed consent. The chemotherapy regimen consisted of cisplatin, 80 mg/m2 on day 1, and docetaxel, 25 mg/m2 on days 1, 8 and 15 every 4 weeks. RESULTS: Between January 2002 and December 2003, 31 patients with NSCLC were enrolled in the study. An objective response rate of 40% (95% CI, 21-60) was obtained in 27 assessable patients. The median time to progression was 6.4 months (range, 2.5-26.3) and median overall survival was 10.01 months (range, 5-28.3). The regimen was well tolerated with no grade 4 toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: Cisplatin plus weekly docetaxel is an effective and well-tolerated regimen in chemo-naive patients with advanced NSCLC. A phase III study of weekly versus the conventional regimen of every three weeks should be conducted to compare the survival benefits, toxicity profile and quality of life.     

A phase II trial of the combination of gemcitabine, ifosfamide and cisplatin in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer

OBJECTIVE: This phase II trial was designed to assess the efficacy and toxicity profile of the combination of gemcitabine, ifosfamide and cisplatin (GIP) in the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients included in the study were those with surgically unresectable or metastatic NSCLC, with bidimensionally measurable disease, a Karnofsky performance status > 60, and who had not received previous chemotherapy. Treatment consisted of 1000 mg/m(2) gemcitabine on days 1 and 8, 3 g/m(2) ifosfamide on day 1, and 50 mg/m(2) cisplatin on day 1, administered in 21-day cycles. A maximum of six cycles were administered. RESULTS: Between March 1996 and December 1997, 60 patients were included in the study (37 stage III and 23 stage IV), of which 59 were evaluated for response. An objective response was obtained in 43% of patients (3% complete and 40% partial responses), whereas 22% had stable disease. The median survival time for the whole group was 52 weeks (65 weeks in patients with stage III, and 35 weeks in stage IV). The most frequent toxicity was haematological, 56% of patients presented grade 3 or 4 myelotoxicity in one of the cycles, although only seven episodes of febrile neutropenia were recorded in the 255 cycles administered. CONCLUSIONS: The GIP regimen attains response rates similar to those obtained with the gemcitabine plus cisplatin combination used in advanced NSCLC, and had an acceptable toxicity profile.     

A phase II study of irinotecan plus cisplatin for patients with advanced stage IIIB or IV NSCLC previously treated with nonplatinum-based chemotherapy

BACKGROUND: Irinotecan (1) and cisplatin (P) are active chemotherapy agents with clinical synergy in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We evaluated the efficacy of IP regimen as a salvage treatment of patients with NSCLC that progressed after nonplatinum-containing regimen(s). METHODS: Eligibility required histologically confirmed NSCLC, bidimensionally measurable disease, ECOG PS 0-2, and progressive disease after nonplatinum-based chemotherapy. Treatment consisted of I (65 mg/m2) and P (30 mg/m2) i.v. on Days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle, for a maximum of 6 cycles. An informed consent was obtained from all patients. RESULTS: Between August 2002 and May 2004, 32 patients with median age of 56 years (range, 42-74) were enrolled. Twenty-four (75%) patients were men, and 28 (88%) had ECOG PS 0 or 1. Twenty-five patients had adenocarcinoma and 6 had squamous-cell carcinoma. All patients were evaluated for response and toxicity, and the response rate was 40.6%. After a median follow-up of 18.5 months, the median survival time was found to be 9.3 months, with a 1-year survival rate of 43.8%. Toxicities were moderate and manageable, with 47% G3 and 9% G4 neutropenia, 19% G3 diarrhea, and 22% G3 asthenia. There was no G4 nonhematologic toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: The irinotecan and cisplatin combination is an active and well-tolerated regimen for the patients with advanced NSCLC that progressed after nonplatinum-containing regimen(s).     

Randomized phase II trial of two different schedules of docetaxel plus cisplatin as first-line therapy in advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND: There is increasing interest in the use of a weekly administration of docetaxel as a way of reducing its hematologic toxicity. The purpose of the current randomized study was to evaluate the toxicity and efficacy of docetaxel plus cisplatin combination on 2 schedules in patients with previously untreated, advanced nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: Consenting patients with advanced NSCLC were randomized to receive first-line chemotherapy with cisplatin 75 mg/m(2) on Day 1, plus 3-weekly (75 mg/m(2) on Day 1) or weekly (35 mg/m(2) on Days 1, 8, and 15 of a 4-week cycle) docetaxel, for up to 6 cycles. RESULTS: Of 86 patients accrued, 41 patients were treated with 3-weekly and 43 with weekly docetaxel plus cisplatin. The most frequent grade 3/4 toxicity in the 3-weekly arm was neutropenia (56% of patients). In those receiving the weekly regimen, the frequent grade 3/4 toxicities were fatigue (44%) and nausea/vomiting (35%). The overall response rate was 40% with the 3-weekly and 39% with the weekly arm (P = .74). The median progression-free survival was 4.3 months in the 3-weekly arm and 3.9 months in the weekly arm (P = .08) and the median survival was 10.3 and 10.0 months, respectively (P = .76). Quality of life data showed no relevant difference between the arms. CONCLUSIONS: The weekly schedule of docetaxel plus cisplatin combination as first-line chemotherapy for advanced NSCLC, while feasible, has no clear advantage over the standard 3-weekly regimen.     

Amifostine plus cisplatin plus vinorelbine in the treatment of advanced non small cell lung cancer: a multicenter phase II study

PURPOSE: to evaluate the activity and toxicity of the combination cisplatin plus vinorelbine plus amifostine in advanced non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: a two-stage Simon design was applied. To proceed after the first stage, responses from seven of 19 patients were needed. Overall, 17 responses from 40 treated patients were required to comply with the design parameter. Inclusion criteria were cyto-histologically proven stage IIIB-IV NSCLC; age of 70 years or less; Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 2 or less; normal cardiac, hepatic, renal and bone marrow functions; and no previous chemotherapy. Patients were staged by physical examination, biochemistry, chest radiograph, brain, thoracic and abdominal computed tomographic (CT) scans, and bone scan. All patients received cisplatin 100 mg/m(2) intravenously (iv) day 1, vinorelbine 25 mg/m(2) iv days 1-8-15-22, amifostine 740 mg/m(2) iv day 1 every 4 weeks up to six cycles. Eleven of 40 enrolled patients were stage IIIB and 29 stage IV, with a median age of 57 years (range, 38-70 years). RESULTS: all patients were evaluable for response and toxicity (intention to treat analysis). We observed 20 (50%) objective responses, with four (10%) complete responses. Median time to progression was 20 weeks, and median survival was 45 weeks. The toxicity was manageable. The reported main toxicities were neutropenia grade 4 in 10% of patients, grade 1 and grade 3 nephrotoxicity both in 5% of patients and grade 1 amifostine-related hypotension in 15% of patients. CONCLUSION: these data show that cisplatin plus vinorelbine plus amifostine is an active and feaseable regimen in stage IIIB-IV NSCLC. A phase III trial comparing cisplatin plus vinorelbine versus cisplatin plus vinorelbine plus amifostine in advanced NSCLC is warranted.