Phase II trial of a 75-mg/m2 dose of docetaxel with prednisone premedication for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer

A Phase I Trial of Outpatient Weekly Docetaxel and Concurrent Radiation Therapy for Stage III Unresectable Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Vanderbuilt Cancer Center Affiliate Network (VCCAN) Trial

Docetaxel has demonstrated activity as a radiosensitizer in numerous preclinical studies, probably due to its role as a cell cycle synchronizer for the G2/M radiosensitive phase of the cell cycle. We conducted a phase I trial to determine the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) and dose-limiting toxicities (DLT) of docetaxel with concurrent thoracic radiation therapy (TRT) to patients with unresectable stage III non small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Fifteen patients were entered into this study. Docetaxel was administered as a 1-hour intravenous (I.V.) infusion, repeated every week for 6 weeks with starting dose of 20 mg/m2. Doses were escalated in 10 mg/m2 increments in successive cohorts of three new patients, if tolerated. Unacceptable toxicity was defined as grade = 3 nonhematologic or hematologic toxicity according to Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) toxicity criteria. TRT was administered to the primary tumor and regional lymph nodes (40 Gy) followed by a boost to the tumor (20 Gy). At the first dose level (20 mg/m2/week), one patient developed grade 4 hyperglycemia and accrual was expanded to five patients. At the second level (30 mg/m2/week), two out of six patients developed grade 3 esophagitis. At the third level (40 mg/m2/week), two out of four patients developed grade 3 esophagitis and one patient developed grade 3 pulmonary toxicity. The weekly docetaxel MTD with concurrent radiation therapy (RT) was found to be 30 mg/m2. The DLT was esophagitis and pulmonary toxicity. Other toxicities encountered included skin reaction, nausea and vomiting, as well as diarrhea. Additionally, there were no treatment-related mortalities or late-occurring toxicities. Esophagitis was the principal DLT of concurrent weekly docetaxel and thoracic radiation in the outpatient setting. The MTD of concurrent weekly docetaxel with TRT is 30 mg/m2 weekly for 6 weeks. This study is still open to accrual with weekly docetaxel and TRT in locally advanced NSCLC patients.

Docetaxel in Combination with Platinum Compounds for Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Assessing the combination of docetaxel with cisplatin or carboplatin was based on their activity as single agents, their nonoverlapping toxicity profiles, and their lack of cross-resistance. Phase I studies of docetaxel in combination with cisplatin established that 75 mg/m2 of each agent could be administered with reasonable safety and appeared to be active in non small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We evaluated the docetaxel/cisplatin combination in patients with advanced NSCLC. The response rate was 32%, and the median survival was 11.5 months. Efficacy was comparable to that observed in the Australian and French trials with the same combination. This is now being evaluated further in two large randomized trials for patients with advanced NSCLC and has been incorporated into the combined modality programs for early-stage disease. Carboplatin, devoid of the nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity associated with the parent cis-platin, was then combined with docetaxel. The recommended dose of docetaxel for further evaluation in combination with carboplatin (AUC=6 mg/mL.min) was 90 mg/m2 with filgrastim support and 80 mg/m2 without filgrastim support. Our phase II trial of the combination of docetaxel and carboplatin in advanced NSCLC demonstrated an overall response rate of 36%; median survival was 13.9 months, and 1-year survival was 52%. Comparable activity has been seen by other investigators, and the regimen is being evaluated in two randomized trials. The combination of docetaxel with either of the two platinum agents has reasonable activity in NSCLC, though the carboplatin/docetaxel doublet appears to have a better therapeutic index.

Single-Agent Docetaxel (Taxotere®) in the Treatment of Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Clinical Concepts and Commentary

Chemotherapy in recurrent or metastatic non small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been shown to im-prove quality of life, and to provide a modest prolongation of survival. Docetaxel is a semisynthetic taxane that is an active agent for the treatment of NSCLC, both in previously untreated patients as well as those who have relapsed or progressed following cisplatin-based chemotherapy. After encouraging results in phase II studies, randomized trials have shown that treatment with single-agent docetaxel is superior to best supportive care for advanced NSCLC in both untreated and previously treated patients. This article will review the published data on the use of single-agent docetaxel in the treatment of advanced NSCLC.

Docetaxel in combination with carboplatin for the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung carcinoma: a multicentre phase I study

Docetaxel and carboplatin have shown in vitro and in vivo activity against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A phase I study was conducted in order to determine the dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) and the maximum tolerated doses (MTDs) of their combination. Chemotherapy-naïve patients with stage IIIB and IV NSCLC, age<75 years old, performance status (WHO) 0-2, with adequate bone marrow, renal, liver and cardiac function, were treated with docetaxel and carboplatin. Docetaxel was given at escalated doses starting from 70 mg/m(2) with increments of 10 mg/m(2) followed by carboplatin also administered at escalated doses starting from AUC 5 to 7 AUC (mg/ml. min); the regimen was administered every 3 weeks. No colony-stimulating factor or intrapatient escalation was allowed. The toxicity of the regimen was assessed during the first chemotherapy cycle. 35 enrolled patients received a total of 114 chemotherapy cycles (median 3 cycles/patient; range: 1-8). All patients were assessable for toxicity. Neutropenia was the main dose-limiting toxicity of the regimen; overall, grade 3/4 neutropenia occurred in 16 (14%) cycles; six (5%) neutropenic episodes were complicated with fever but there was no septic death. Grade 3/4 thrombocytopenia was uncommon (two cycles; 2%). Grade 3/4 diarrhoea occurred in 5 (14%) patients whilst neurotoxicity, fatigue and mucositis were extremely uncommon. Two MTDs were defined: the MTD(1) was docetaxel 80 mg/m(2) and carboplatin AUC 7 mg/ml x min whilst MTD(2) was docetaxel 100 mg/m(2) and carboplatin AUC 6 mg/ml x min. The combination of docetaxel and carboplatin is a feasible and well-tolerated outpatient regimen for the treatment of patients with locally advanced and metastatic NSCLC. This regimen merits further investigation in phase II trials.

Paclitaxel and docetaxel combinations in non-small cell lung cancer

Paclitaxel, the first of the taxanes, has exhibited unique and encouraging single-agent activity in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Yet, with single-agent response rates approaching 25%, it was logical to examine the impact of paclitaxel in combination chemotherapy regimens. In trials evaluating the activity of paclitaxel in combination with one of the platinum compounds, cisplatin or carboplatin, response rates have ranged from 35 to > 50% and were significantly better than response rates observed with etoposide/cisplatin, the previous standard regimen for treatment of NSCLC. Docetaxel is a newer taxane that also has exhibited notable single-agent activity and response rates ranging from 20 to 50% when combined with cisplatin. Future research will look to refine the use of taxane combinations in NSCLC and to examine the potential of these unique and promising drugs when combined with newer agents that are active against this disease.

Phase II trial of docetaxel and vinorelbine in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer

PURPOSE

Docetaxel and vinorelbine are active agents in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and demonstrate preclinical synergism perhaps, in part, through their inactivation of the proto-oncogene bcl-2. We show that docetaxel (60 mg/m(2)) and vinorelbine (45 mg/m(2)) can be safely combined when given on an every 2-week schedule with filgrastim, with encouraging antitumor activity observed.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty-five chemotherapy naïve patients with advanced NSCLC received vinorelbine as an intravenous push immediately followed by docetaxel as a 1-hour intravenous infusion once every 2 weeks. Prophylactic corticosteroids, ciprofloxacin, and filgrastim were used.

RESULTS

We delivered median doses of 450 mg/m(2) of vinorelbine and 600 mg/m(2) of docetaxel. The major objective response rate was 51% (95% confidence interval [CI], 34% to 68%). With a median follow-up of 14 months, the predicted median survival time was 14 months, and the 1-year survival rate was 60% (95% CI, 44% to 80%). Febrile neutropenia occurred in five patients and five (1.3%) of 384 treatments. No dose-limiting neurotoxicity occurred. Symptomatic onycholysis and excessive lacrimation were observed after several months or more of therapy.

CONCLUSION

Docetaxel 60 mg/m(2) and vinorelbine 45 mg/m(2), both given every 2 weeks, is a highly active combination for the treatment of advanced NSCLC. Filgrastim largely obviates neutropenic fever and allows for the single-agent dose-intensity of both drugs to be delivered. The occurrence of certain late toxicities can limit use in some cases and suggests that the combination could also be beneficial in settings requiring briefer, fixed periods of treatment, such as in induction or postoperative therapy.

Phase I trial of docetaxel and vinorelbine in patients with advanced nonsmall cell lung carcinoma

BACKGROUND

With preclinical evidence of synergy, this dose-finding trial examining the combination of docetaxel and vinorelbine given with prophylactic filgrastim for the treatment of patients with nonsmall cell lung carcinoma was undertaken.

METHODS

Twenty-seven patients with advanced nonsmall cell lung carcinoma received vinorelbine as an intravenous push immediately followed by docetaxel as a 1-hour intravenous infusion once every 2 weeks at 1 of 7 different dose levels. Vinorelbine was escalated from 15 mg/m(2) (Level I) to 45 mg/m(2) (Level VII) and docetaxel was increased from 50 mg/m(2) (Level I) to 60 mg/m(2) (Level VII). Prophylactic corticosteroids and filgrastim were employed prospectively.

RESULTS

After completion of dose Level VII, accrual was terminated because Phase II dose intensity of both agents had been reached and further escalation was believed to be unsafe. At dose Level VII, one episode of first-cycle febrile neutropenia and a death after three treatment cycles due to Haemophilus influenzae sepsis (Grade 5 toxicity according to the Common Toxicity Criteria of the National Cancer Institute) without neutropenia were noted. In all, 209 treatment cycles were administered and febrile neutropenia was observed in only 4 of these treatments (1.9%). Bacteremia occurred in three patients (four episodes) in the absence of neutropenia. Symptomatic onycholysis was observed in three patients. Clinically significant peripheral neuropathy and fluid retention were rare. Confirmed partial responses were noted in 10 patients for a response rate of 37% (95% confidence interval, 20-57%).

CONCLUSIONS

Docetaxel at a dose of 60 mg/m(2) and vinorelbine at a dose of 45 mg/m(2), both given every 2 weeks, can be combined safely to achieve Phase II dose intensity of both agents. An ongoing Phase II trial will define the activity of this treatment combination.

Advanced non-small cell lung carcinoma: the emerging role of docetaxel

The treatment of advanced non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) has improved greatly over the past decade. With the advent of new agents, in particular taxanes, gemcitabine, vinorelbine, and topoisomerase I inhibitors, response rates have improved from 15-20% to 25-35%, with commensurate improvement in median and one year survival rates to 8-10 months and 35-45%, respectively. These improvements have proven statistically significant in multiple studies [1-4]. Docetaxel, either alone or in combination with platinols, has shown particular promise; and, in some arenas, it has become a standard component of our therapeutic armamentarium. We will review the preclinical data and single agent activity of docetaxel in treatment-naive and previously treated NSCLC patients, its activity in combination with cisplatin and carboplatin, as well as other new agents, and finally focus on ongoing studies evaluating its role in locally advanced disease.

Combination chemotherapy with carboplatin, docetaxel, and gemcitabine in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: a phase II study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of the combination of carboplatin, docetaxel, and gemcitabine in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Forty-five chemotherapy-naive patients with NSCLC were treated on an out-patient basis with carboplatin area under the curve 5 intravenous (IV) and gemcitabine 800 mg/m(2) IV on day 1 and docetaxel 75 mg/m(2) IV and gemcitabine 800 mg/m(2) IV on day 8. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (150 ug/m(2) subcutaneously) was given prophylactically from day 3 to day 6 and day 10 to day 16. Chemotherapy was repeated every 4 weeks. Patients were evaluated for response every two cycles of treatment.

RESULTS

The median age of the patients was 58 years (range, 24 to 75 years). The performance status was 0 for 16 patients, 1 for 17 patients, and 2 for 12 patients. Nine patients (20%) had stage IIIB disease, and 36 (80%) had stage IV; histology was mainly squamous cell carcinoma (51.2% of patients) that was poorly differentiated (37.8%). All 45 patients were assessable for toxicity, and 41 were assessable for response. On an intent-to-treat analysis, the objective response rate was 46. 5% (21 out of 45 patients; 95% confidence interval [CI], 31.7% to 62. 5%). Of the 45 patients, four (8.8%) achieved a complete response (95% CI, 2.5% to 21.2%); 17 (37.7%) achieved a partial response (95% CI, 23.8% to 53.5%); seven (15.5%) had stable disease; and 14 (31. 1%) had progressive disease. The median survival time was 13.5 months, and the actuarial 1-year survival rate was 51.11%. The median duration of response was 7.6 months, and the time to tumor progression was 8.1 months. Grade 3/4 anemia and thrombocytopenia occurred in 17.7% and 28.8% of patients, respectively. Twenty-one patients (46.6%) developed grade 3/4 neutropenia, and six patients (13.3%) were complicated with fever. Alopecia was universal. Grade 3 diarrhea occurred in four patients (8.8%); grade 3/4 neurotoxicity occurred in 10 patients (22.2%); and grade 2/3 allergic reaction occurred in three patients (16.6%). There were no treatment-related deaths. Six patients (13.3%) required a dose reduction, two of which required two reductions.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of carboplatin, docetaxel, and gemcitabine is an effective regimen for the treatment of chemotherapy-naive patients with advanced NSCLC, causing only moderate toxicity.

Phase I study of cisplatin and docetaxel plus mitomycin C in patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Docetaxel, cisplatin and mitomycin C are some of the active drugs used in the treatment of patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The purpose of this study was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended dose of the three drugs in combination for such patients.

METHODS

Chemotherapy-native patients with metastatic NSCLC were enrolled in this study. The doses of docetaxel and cisplatin were fixed at 60 and 80 mg/m2, respectively. It was planned to increase the dose of mitomycin C from 4 to 6 and 8 mg/m2. All drugs were administered on day 1 and repeated every 3-4 weeks.

RESULTS

All six patients received 60 mg/m2 of docetaxel and 80 mg/m2 of cisplatin, three of them with 4 mg/m2 of mitomycin C (level 1) and the other three with 6 mg/m2 of mitomycin C (level 2). Two of the three level 2 patients experienced dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) in first cycle: febrile neutropenia and grade 3 hyponatremia. Based on these data, the MTD was concluded to be 60 mg/m2 for docetaxel, 80 mg/m2 for cisplatin and 6 mg/m2 for mitomycin C. Evaluation of the data from all of the cycles, however, showed that four of the six patients experienced DLTs.

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of mitomycin C to docetaxel and cisplatin resulted in relatively high toxicities. It was impossible to use a high enough dose of mitomycin C to improve the survival of NSCLC patients. We therefore concluded that further evaluation of this combination is unwarranted.

Chemotherapy-induced anemia in adults: incidence and treatment

Anemia is a common complication of myelosuppressive chemotherapy that results in a decreased functional capacity and quality of life (QOL) for cancer patients. Severe anemia is treated with red blood cell transfusions, but mild-to-moderate anemia in patients receiving chemotherapy has traditionally been managed conservatively on the basis of the perception that it was clinically unimportant. This practice has been reflected in the relative inattention to standardized and complete reporting of all degrees of chemotherapy-induced anemia. We undertook a comprehensive review of published chemotherapy trials of the most common single agents and combination chemotherapy regimens, including the new generation of chemotherapeutic agents, used in the treatment of the major nonmyeloid malignancies in adults to characterize and to document the incidence and severity of chemotherapy-induced anemia. Despite identified limitations in the grading and reporting of treatment-related anemia, the results confirm a relatively high incidence of mild-to-moderate anemia. Recent advances in assessing the relationships of anemia, fatigue, and QOL in cancer patients are providing new insights into these closely related factors. Clinical data are emerging that suggest that mild-to-moderate chemotherapy-induced anemia results in a perceptible reduction in a patient's energy level and QOL. Future research may lead to new classifications of chemotherapy-induced anemia that can guide therapeutic interventions on the basis of outcomes and hemoglobin levels. Perceptions by oncologists and patients that lesser degrees of anemia must be endured without treatment may be overcome as greater emphasis is placed on the QOL of the oncology patient and as research provides further insights into the relationships between hemoglobin levels, patient well-being, and symptoms.

Phase II trial of docetaxel with dexamethasone premedication in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer: the Canadian experience

We performed a Phase II trial to evaluate the activity and tolerability of docetaxel as a single agent in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Forty-four patients with metastatic and/or locally advanced NSCLC received i.v. docetaxel 100 mg/m2 every 3 weeks for a median of 4 (range 1-11) cycles. All patients received premedication with oral dexamethasone 8 mg twice daily for 5 days starting the day before chemotherapy. Seven partial responses were observed among 35 evaluable patients, and the overall response rate was 20% (95% CI 8-37). The median response duration was 5 months, median survival time was 10 months and the estimated 1-year survival rate was 42%. Treatment was generally well tolerated. Febrile neutropenia occurred in 10 patients (23%); neutropenic infection occurred in 4 patients, and led to 2 toxic deaths (both patients had borderline exclusion criteria). The corticosteroid premedication effectively reduced the overall incidence (34%) and severity (4% severe) of fluid retention, and delayed the median time to onset from cycle 4 to cycle 7. This study shows the promising efficacy of docetaxel as monotherapy in advanced NSCLC, and combination chemotherapy regimens incorporating docetaxel are now being evaluated in this clinical setting.

Phase I/II trial of paclitaxel by 1-hour infusion, carboplatin, and gemcitabine in the treatment of patients with advanced nonsmall cell lung carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The combination of paclitaxel and carboplatin is widely used in the treatment of patients with advanced nonsmall cell lung carcinoma. In this Phase I/II study the authors evaluated the feasibility, toxicity, and efficacy of adding a third active antineoplastic agent, gemcitabine, to the paclitaxel/carboplatin combination for the treatment of patients with advanced nonsmall cell lung carcinoma.

METHODS

Patients with advanced (AJCC Stage IIIB or IV) nonsmall cell lung carcinoma previously untreated with chemotherapy were eligible for this trial. The maximum tolerated doses, determined in the Phase I trial and subsequently used in the Phase II trial, were: paclitaxel, 200 mg/m2, as a 1-hour infusion on Day 1; carboplatin, at area under the curve dose of 5.0 intravenously (i.v.), on Day 1; and gemcitabine, 1000 mg/m2 i.v., on Days 1 and 8. Treatment courses were repeated every 21 days. The Phase II study was conducted in 13 community-based practices in the Minnie Pearl Cancer Research Network; 77 patients were treated between December 1996 and September 1997.

RESULTS

Thirty-four of 77 patients (44%) in the Phase II trial had major responses (partial responses, 32 patients and complete responses, 2 patients). An additional 25 patients (33%) had stable disease or minor response; only 23% of patients progressed or were removed from study at or prior to first reevaluation. The median survival was 9.4 months, with a 45% actuarial 1-year survival rate. Myelosuppression was the most common toxicity, with Grade 3/4 NCI Common Toxicity Criteria leukopenia and thrombocytopenia in 49% and 45% of patients, respectively. However, only 11 patients (14%) required hospitalization for neutropenia/ fever, and none had bleeding complications. Grade 3/4 nonhematologic toxicities included fatigue (41%), arthralgias/myalgias (26%), peripheral neuropathy (8%), nausea/emesis (6%), and hypersensitivity reactions (4%). There was one treatment-related death due to sepsis.

CONCLUSIONS

This three-drug regimen is active and has acceptable toxicity in patients with advanced nonsmall cell lung carcinoma. Myelosuppression, particularly thrombocytopenia, is increased in comparison to the paclitaxel/carboplatin regimen. Fatigue also may be increased, but other nonhematologic toxicities are not altered substantially by adding gemcitabine. Although the response rate and median survival are improved modestly compared with our previous experience with paclitaxel/carboplatin, definitive conclusions regarding the efficacy of this regimen await the completion of randomized trials.

Front-line treatment of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer with docetaxel and gemcitabine: a multicenter phase II trial

PURPOSE

To evaluate the tolerance and efficacy of the combination of docetaxel and gemcitabine in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty-one chemotherapy-naive patients with NSCLC were treated with gemcitabine 900 mg/m2 intravenously on days 1 and 8 and docetaxel 100 mg/m2 intravenously on day 8 with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (150 microg/m2, subcutaneously) support from day 9 to day 15. Treatment was repeated every 3 weeks.

RESULTS

The patients' median age was 64 years. The World Health Organization performance status was 0 to 1 in 39 patients and 2 in 12 patients. Fifteen patients (29%) had stage IIIB disease, and 36 (71%) had stage IV; histology was mainly squamous cell carcinoma (59%). A partial response was achieved in 19 patients (37.5%; 95% confidence interval, 24% to 50%); stable disease and progressive disease were each observed in 16 patients (31.4%). The median duration of response and the time to tumor progression were 5 and 6 months, respectively. The median survival was 13 months, and the actuarial 1-year survival was 50.7%. Grade 4 anemia and thrombocytopenia were rare (2%). Four patients (8%) developed grade 3 or 4 neutropenia, and all were complicated with fever; there was no treatment-related death. Grade 3 or 4 diarrhea occurred in three patients (6%), grade 2 or 3 neurotoxicity in four patients (8%), grade 2 or 3 asthenia in 10 patients (20%), and grade 2 or 3 edema in 10 patients (20%).

CONCLUSION

The combination of docetaxel/gemcitabine is well tolerated, can be used for outpatients, and is active for the treatment of advanced NSCLC. This treatment merits further comparison with other cisplatin- or carboplatin-based combinations.

[Docetaxel (taxotere): current status of clinical development in non-small-cell bronchial carcinoma (NSCLC)]

BACKGROUND

Docetaxel (Taxotere) as a "stabilizing antitubulin" has in the last few years gained the reputation of being one of the most effective cytotoxic drugs in the therapy of NSCLC. Up until now it has primarily been used in clinical studies for both single agent- and combination chemotherapy being tested in a variety of different treatment regimens not only for advanced disease but also for early stage NSCLC.

RESULTS OF STUDIES

Clinical investigations of Docetaxel in NSCLC continue and currently focus upon randomized studies, new combination chemotherapy regimens, its simultaneous use in combination with radiotherapy as well as trials within multi-modality treatment concepts. The preliminary results of these studies underline the importance of Docetaxel for NSCLC and confirm the positive results stemming from previous single agent- and combination therapy investigations.

Combination chemotherapy with docetaxel, vinorelbine and cisplatin as first-line treatment of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: a multicenter phase II study of the Greek Cooperative Group for Lung Cancer

Vinorelbine, docetaxel and cisplatin have documented single-agent activity in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC); a multicenter phase II trial was initiated in order to evaluate the tolerance and efficacy of their combination. A total of 24 chemotherapy-naive patients with measurable stage IIIB or IV NSCLC and performance status (PS; WHO) 0-2 entered the study. Vinorelbine (20 mg/m2 i.v.) was given on days 1 and 15, cisplatin (60 mg/m2) on day 1, and docetaxel (100 mg/m2) on day 16, in cycles of 28 days. Recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (150 microg/m2 s.c.) was administered prophylactically from day 17 to day 27. One pathological complete (4%) and six partial responses (25%) were documented (overall response 29%; 95% CI 11.6-49.2%). A total of five patients (21%) had stable and 12 (50%) progressive disease. The median duration of response was 28 weeks and the median time to tumor progression 36 weeks; the median survival was 20 weeks. Grade 3-4 neutropenia occurred in 16 patients (67%) while 13 of them (54%) developed febrile neutropenia. Grade 4 mucositis occurred in two patients (8%) and one of them also presented grade 4 diarrhea. There were four treatment-related deaths: two from sepsis, one from massive hemoptysis due to a pulmonary abscess and one from acute myocardial ischemia 7 days post-chemotherapy. In conclusion, the high incidence of neutropenic episodes and treatment-related deaths led to an early discontinuation of patient enrollment. This combination, in the schedule and the doses used, could not be recommended for off protocol treatment of patients with advanced NSCLC.

First-line treatment of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer with docetaxel and cisplatin: a multicenter phase II study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the docetaxel-cisplatin combination in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Chemotherapy-naïve patients with histologically confirmed, measurable stage IIIB or IV NSCLC, a World Health Organization (WHO) performance status of 0-2 and adequate bone marrow, renal, hepatic and cardiac function were eligible for the study. Patients received docetaxel (100 mg/m2) as an one-hour infusion on day 1 and cisplatin (80 mg/m2) as a 30-min infusion with appropriate hydration on day 2. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF; 150 micrograms/m2, SC) was given on days 3 to 13. Treatment was repeated every three weeks.

RESULTS

Fifty-three patients were enrolled (28 with stage IIIB and 25 with stage IV). One complete and 23 partial responses were observed (overall response rate (OR): 45%; 95% CI: 34.1%-61.8%). The response rate was 57% and 32% in patients with stages IIIB and IV disease (P = NS). The median time to progression was 36 weeks and the median survival 48 weeks; the one-year survival was 48%. Grade 3-4 neutropenia occurred in 23 patients, 15 of whom were hospitalized for neutropenic fever; two patients died of sepsis. Grade 2 neurotoxicity was observed in six patients and grade 3 in five patients; grade 3 fatigue occurred in seven patients, grade 3-4 mucositis in four patients and grade 3-4 diarrhea in six patients. Mild allergic reactions and oedema were observed in five and four patients, respectively. The median dose intensity was 30 mg/m2/week for docetaxel and 24 mg/m2/week for cisplatin, corresponding to 91% and 89% of the specified protocol doses, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The docetaxel-cisplatin combination is an active regimen in advanced NSCLC, but hematologic toxicity remains high despite the prophylactic use of G-CSF.

Treatment of advanced (stages III and IV) non-small-cell lung cancer

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths, and approximately 85% of patients in whom this neoplasm is diagnosed will die of this disease as a result of micrometastatic disease from tumors that appeared surgically resectable or of surgically unresectable disease that is either locally advanced or metastatic. It will affect approximately 171,000 people in the United States in 1998 and about 75% of these cases will be non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In only 25% of cases can complete surgical resection and cure be considered. Despite this grim outlook, advances have recently been made that beckon in an era of cautious optimism. In this review, a discussion of the latest developments in the management of locally advanced and metastatic NSCLC will be presented in detail. One of the significant developments has been the modifications to the staging system after the natural history of various stages was better characterized by reviewing the outcome of more than 5000 patients. Advances have also been seen in the diagnostic field. Specifically, positron emission tomography and endoscopic ultrasonography and biopsy are being evaluated to determine their role in diagnosing and staging lung cancer. At the present, however, history and physical examination, serum evaluation, computed tomography, and conventional approaches for obtaining a histologic diagnosis are standard practice. The role of adjuvant therapy, both postoperatively and in the neoadjuvant setting, has been studied. There are no data to support the use of radiotherapy or chemotherapy, with or without radiotherapy, in the postoperative setting. In the neoadjuvant setting, some intriguing results in favor of adjuvant chemotherapy have been observed. As discussed in detail these results provide preliminary data and need to be evaluated on a larger scale. Before the 1990s radiotherapy was the principal treatment modality used in the treatment of patients with locally advanced NSCLC. However, the results of several studies have shown the superiority of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in combination for patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC. Many questions regarding the optimal modes of chemotherapy and radiotherapy and the timing of these two modalities have yet to be answered. Concurrent with these advances has been the development of new chemotherapeutic agents that have been extensively evaluated in phase I and II trials. These agents include gemcitabine, paclitaxel, docetaxel, vinorelbine, and irinotecan. These agents have shown significant activity and acceptable toxicity when used in combination with cisplatin or carboplatin, but the results from the large cooperative trials that are ongoing are eagerly awaited to help define the optimal regimen. Further studies are either planned or ongoing to further define the role of these newer agents in the treatment of metastatic disease, in combination with radiotherapy for unresectable disease, and in the surgical adjuvant setting.

New chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer: the Japanese experience

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is refractory to systemic chemotherapy, compared with small cell lung cancer. Until recently, only five drugs--cisplatin, vindesine, mitomycin, ifosfamide, and vinblastine--could produce overall response rates of 15% against NSCLC. However, recent efforts have contributed to the development of new drugs with activity against NSCLC, including irinotecan hydrochloride (CPT-11), paclitaxel, docetaxel, vinorelbine, and gemcitabine. Combination chemotherapy against NSCLC using these agents has demonstrated high response rates. In Japan, various combination chemotherapy and combined-modality regimens employing CPT-11 have been evaluated for their efficacy. Randomized controlled trials to establish new state-of-the-art treatments for NSCLC are ongoing.

Phase I study on docetaxel and ifosfamide in patients with advanced solid tumours

Docetaxel and ifosfamide have shown significant activity against a variety of solid tumours. This prompted a phase I trial on the combination of these drugs. This phase I study was performed to assess the feasibility of the combination, to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and the side effects, and to propose a safe schedule for further phase II studies. A total of 34 patients with a histologically confirmed solid tumour, who were not pretreated with taxanes or ifosfamide and who had received no more than one line of chemotherapy for advanced disease were entered into the study. Treatment consisted of docetaxel given as a 1-h infusion followed by ifosfamide as a 24-h infusion (schedule A), or ifosfamide followed by docetaxel (schedule B) every 3 weeks. Docetaxel doses ranged from 60 to 85 mg m(-2) and ifosfamide doses from 2.5 to 5.0 g m(-2). Granulocytopenia grade 3 and 4 were common (89%), short lasting and ifosfamide dose dependent. Febrile neutropenia and sepsis occurred in 17% and 2% of courses respectively. Non-haematological toxicities were mild to moderate and included alopecia, nausea, vomiting, mucositis, diarrhoea, sensory neuropathy, skin and nail toxicity and oedema. There did not appear to be any pharmacokinetic interaction between docetaxel and ifosfamide. One complete response (CR) (soft tissue sarcoma) and two partial responses (PRs) were documented. A dose of 75 mg m(-2) of docetaxel combined with 5.0 g m(-2) ifosfamide appeared to be manageable. Schedule A was advocated for further treatment.

[Docetaxel (taxotere) in non-small-cell bronchial carcinoma]

BACKGROUND

Various new drugs with different mechanisms of action are presently under investigation for the field of solid tumors. The taxanes, Taxotere and Taxol, are among those drugs possessing a unique mechanism of action but showing pharmacological differences.

CONCLUSION

The results of several phase I and II studies of Taxotere in monotherapy as well as in combination schedules with chemotherapy and Radiotherapy show Taxotere to be active in non small cell lung cancer and build the basis for further evaluation in clinical trials.

New Agents in the Management of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

BACKGROUND: Non-small-cell carcinoma of the lung has long been considered a chemotherapeutically resistant neoplasm. Newer agents and combinations are being tested. METHODS: The authors have reviewed data on recent and active phase I and phase II trials of several new agents and combinations. RESULTS: New drugs that affect both response rates and survival include vinorelbine, paclitaxel, docetaxel, gemcitabine, topotecan, and irinotecan. CONCLUSIONS: The advent of several relatively well-tolerated agents that alone have beneficial effects in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer provides reasonable hope that more effective drug combinations will soon be available for this disease.