Management of non-small cell and small cell lung cancer

The relationship between weight loss and interleukin 6 in non-small-cell lung cancer

Markers of the inflammatory response, interleukin 6, C-reactive protein, albumin and full blood count, were measured in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients (n = 21) with and without weight loss ( > 5%). There were significant increases in circulating C-reactive protein (P < 0.001), interleukin 6 (P < 0.01) and platelets (P < 0.01) in the weight-losing group. Moreover, there was a statistically significant correlation (r = 0.785, P < 0.001) between interleukin 6 and C-reactive protein concentrations. These results are consistent with interleukin 6 and the acute phase response promoting weight loss in NSCLC.

Treatment of non-small cell lung cancer: new cytostatic agents

The literature on new cytostatic drugs in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer and on new methods for administration of established drugs has been reviewed back to 1985. Two well-known cytostatic drugs, ifosfamide and etoposide, have been evaluated in trials using oral administration instead of the usual intravenous route, and a total of 26 new investigative drugs has also been evaluated. Oral administration of etoposide is associated with an accumulated response rate of 17% in four studies using a dose of 50 mg/m2 daily for 2-3 weeks, followed by 1 week's rest. Oral administration of ifosfamide yields an accumulated response rate of 18% when the dose intensity is 7 g or more during a 4-week period. Among the new drugs tested, the most promising seem to be campthothecin-11, gemcitabine, vinorelbine, taxol, fotemustine, and zeniplatin which have all shown response rates above 20% among previously untreated patients. Also, the antimetabolites 10-EDAM and trimetrexate and the platinum analogues carboplatin and (glycolate-0,0) diammine-platinum(II) are of interest, with cumulative response rates above 15% in previously untreated patients.