Phase II trial of gemcitabine and cisplatin sequentially administered in Asian patients with unresectable or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to assess toxicity and response in the sequential administration of gemcitabine followed by cisplatin in unresectable or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Twenty-three patients were enrolled in this study. Gemcitabine was given at 1,250 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8, for four 21-day cycles.

RESULTS

There were 4 patients with partial responses. 5 patients with stable disease and 10 patients with progressive disease, giving a response rate of 21%. The median time to disease progression was 3.3 months. The median overall survival was 14.6 months. Toxicities graded 3 or 4 included anaemia (13.0%), neutropaenia (13.0%), supraventricular tachycardia (4.3%), and nausea and vomiting (4.3%).

CONCLUSION

Although these results show similar efficacy to single-agent treatment regimens, the low toxicity profile and promising survival outcome with this regimen are important points for consideration.