ABSTRACT
Non-small-cell lung cancer [NSCLC] is the leading cause of cancer-related death. The combination of Vinca alkaloid and cisplatin represents a standard option for the initial therapy of patients with advanced NSCLC. A number of new anticancer agents have been tested and approved for the treatment of advanced NSCLC. Triplet agent chemotherapy has entered clinical practice in treatment of advanced cases of NSCLC. 28 evaluable patients of NSCLC with stage III-B or IV were enrolled in this study. One group received doublet regimen of cisplatin [120mg/m 2 D1, 22] and etoposide [120mg/m 2 D1-3 and recycle every 21 days]. Other group received triplet regimen of gemcitabine [800mg/ m 2 D1, 8] then oxaliplatin [80mg/ m 2 D1] and VP16 [120mg/ m 2 D1-3] with recycling every 21 days. Evaluation of response, toxicity and survival was performed. Age ranged from 36-75 years with a median age of 61 years. The main side effects were nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity and gastrointestinal tract toxicity in doublet regimen, while hematological toxicity, orthostatic hypotension and neurotoxicity in triplet regimen group. Febrile neutropenia occurred in 37.5% in triplet regimen compared to 8.3% in doublet regime. Partial response was higher in triplet agent chemotherapy group. It occurred in 25% and 50% of cases