Radiotherapy versus radiotherapy enhanced by vinorelbine in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer

ABSTRACT

Experimental studies have shown that vinorelbine is a powerful radiosensitizer in vitro.In this study, 173 patients with inoperable non-small cell lung cancer, Stage III, were entered into arandomized trial comparing radiotherapy only [RT][45 Gy/15 fractions/3 weeks][arm A] versus RT and a dailylow dose of vinorelbine [4 mg/m2][arm B].An overall response rate of 58.9% was observed in arm A and%0.6%in arm B, respectively. Nodifferences in the pattern of relapse were noted between the two treatment groups. Median time to progression was10.6 months for arm A and 14.2 months for arm B. Median survivals were 10.3 months and 9.97 months,respectively. Toxicity was acceptable and no treatment-related death occurred in either treatment schedule. In thisstudy no significant advantage of the combined treatment over radiation therapy only was found.The encouraging, results achieved in some trials together with the intractability of the disease suggestthat further effects efforts should be made to optimize clinical trial protocols, perhaps by reviewing theradiobiological and pharmacological basis of the combined treatment.Non-small cell lung cancer, vinorelhine, Radiotherapy, Radiosensitizer