ABSTRACT
In the last years, the main topoisomerase I inhibitors (TP1-I) (i.e. topotecan and irinotecan) have been used in combination chemotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer. Several drugs (also alternative to cisplatin) have been used in combination with TP1-I, but to date the higher remission rate obtained with combinations is not translated into a more prolonged survival in comparison with TP1-I given alone. On the other hand, the toxicity of TP1-I combinations is greater than those of TP1-I used alone. The superior efficacy of combinations versus TP1-I used alone remains an open question. Furthermore, the best schedule for TP1-I has not been completely elucidated. Randomised studies are few (only two phase III trials) and only controlled studies will be able to clarify the best TP1-I combination regimen.
Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use , Camptothecin/therapeutic use , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/drug therapy , Deoxycytidine/analogs & derivatives , Enzyme Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy , Paclitaxel/analogs & derivatives , Taxoids , Topoisomerase I Inhibitors , Topotecan/therapeutic use , Vinblastine/analogs & derivatives , Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use , Camptothecin/administration & dosage , Camptothecin/analogs & derivatives , Carboplatin/administration & dosage , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/radiotherapy , Cisplatin/administration & dosage , Clinical Trials as Topic , Combined Modality Therapy , Deoxycytidine/administration & dosage , Docetaxel , Doxorubicin/administration & dosage , Etoposide/administration & dosage , Humans , Ifosfamide/administration & dosage , Irinotecan , Lung Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Paclitaxel/administration & dosage , Topotecan/administration & dosage , Vinblastine/administration & dosage , Vinorelbine , GemcitabineABSTRACT
Between January 1987 and June 1991, 173 patients with inoperable non-small cell lung cancer, Stage III, were entered into a randomized trial comparing radiotherapy only (RT) (45 Gy/15 fractions/3 weeks) (arm A) versus RT and a daily low dose of cDDP (6 mg/m2) (arm B). An overall response rate of 58.9% was observed in arm A and 50.6% in arm B, respectively. No differences in the pattern of relapse were noted between the two treatment groups. Median time to progression was 10.6 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 this study 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 suggest that further efforts should be made to optimize clinical trial protocols, perhaps by reviewing the radiobiological and pharmacological basis of the combined treatment.
