Randomized phase II study of two gemcitabine schedules for patients with impaired performance status (Karnofsky performance status

PURPOSE: This randomized phase II study compared two treatment schedules of gemcitabine in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and impaired Karnofsky performance status (KP). Primary objectives were to record changes from baseline KP and to assess symptom palliation. Secondary objectives were overall survival, tumor response, and toxicity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with stage IIIb and IV NSCLC and KP