ABSTRACT
<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>To evaluate the activity and toxicity of paclitaxel as second-line treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty patients with recurrent advanced NSCLC were enrolled. Thirty-six patients were managed with regular regimen. Paclitaxel 135 mg/m², 3 h, on day 1; DDP 75 mg/m² or carboplatin 300-350 mg/m² on day 2. Four patients were managed with weekly regimen. Paclitaxel 60 mg/m²,3 h, on days 1,8,15; DDP 75 mg/m² on day 2. It was repeated every three or four weeks, up to two to four cycles.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Thirty-six cases were evaluated for response and 27 for survival. The objective response rate was 13.9% (5/36). At least one tumor-related symptom relief was observed in 21 patients (58.3%). The median survival duration was 26.4 weeks and 1-year survival rate was 8% (4/36). The main toxicities included myelosuppression, fatigue and myalgia-arthralgia neuropathy.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Paclitaxel has advantage to be well-tolerated and improve tumor-related symptom. Further studies with standardization of dose and regimen will be needed to clarify its role in the second-line treatment.</p>
ABSTRACT
<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>To evaluate the efficacy, side-effects, median survival duration and survival rate of vinorelbine (NVB) combined with cisplatin (DDP) in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 220 patients with inoperable NSCLC received NVB and DDP combined chemotherapy: NVB 25-30 mg/(m²*d) on days 1 and 5 (or 8), DDP 60-80 mg/(m²*d) on day 2. The schedule was repeated every 28 days. The efficacy and side-effects were analysed and followed-up after at least two cycles of chemotherapy.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The overall response rate (CR+PR) was 30.9% (68/220). The response rate was 31.3% (51/163) in initial treatment group, and 29.8% (17/57) in retreatment group. The median survival duration was 8.3 months. The 1-, 2- and 3-year survival rates were 39.23%, 19.31% and 6.32%, respectively. The main side-effects were myelosuppression and digestive tract reactions.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Vinorelbine plus cisplatin is an effective and well-tolerated regimen for non small cell lung cancer and myelosuppression is its dose-limiting toxicity.</p>
ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of Serratia marcescens (S311) vaccine in the treatment of malignant pleural effusion.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty-four patients with malignant pleural effusion were given S311 as intrapleural injection with a dose of 10(9) U (0.32 mg) on D 1, 8 and 15, and observed for four weeks.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The overall response rate (CR + PR) was 97.1% (CR in 12 patients and PR in 21 patients). The systemic toxicity was mild, including fever (82.4%), pleuritic pain (50.7%), nansea (26.5%), dyspnea (17.5%) and chills (5.9%).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Serratia marcescens vaccine is effective for malignant pleural effusion, with tolerable toxic effects. Further study is warranted.</p>