[Early phase II study of BMS-181339 (paclitaxel) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. BMS-181339 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Study Group].

We conducted a multi-institutional (11 facilities), early phase II study of BMS-181339 (paclitaxel), a novel anti-cancer drug, for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The 150 mg/m2 dose of paclitaxel was given by intravenous infusion over 24 hours every three weeks. When fifteen patients were accumulated, the interim review revealed that three of 15 eligible patients had a partial response for a response rate of 20%. The most common toxic effects were grade 3 or 4 leukopenia seen in 73.3% (11/15), and grade 4 neutropenia in 93.3% (14/15). One patient with neutropenia had suspected septic shock, which could be managed by G-CSF and antibiotics. No serious hypersensitivity reaction was seen with premedication of anti-allergic drugs, although mild allergic reactions such as skin rash and flush, were observed in 20.0% (3/15). Other adverse reactions, including alopecia, fever, arthralgia, myalgia and peripheral neuropathy, were mild in most cases. We conclude that it is relevant to proceed to a late phase II study for NSCLC.