ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The combination of docetaxel and cisplatin is an effective first-line regimen in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. However, the recommended three-weekly schedule is associated with frequent neutropenia and infections. Because of the toxicity of cisplatin, patients may need to be hospitalized to ensure adequate hydration. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and tolerability of a weekly schedule of docetaxel and cisplatin. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with inoperable stage International Union Against Cancer IIIB (malignant effusion) or IV non-small cell lung cancer received docetaxel (35 mg/m(2), 30 minutes infusion) and cisplatin (25 mg/m(2), 30 minutes infusion) on days 1, 8, and 15, every 4 weeks for 4 to 6 cycles. Ondansetron (8 mg) and dexamethasone (8 mg) were given intravenously before chemotherapy. The patients received oral dexamethasone 2 x 4 mg daily from the day before until the day after chemotherapy. NK1-antagonists were given at the investigator's discretion. The majority of patients was treated in outpatient departments. Safety was assessed using CTCAE v3.0. The primary end point was response rate (RECIST). RESULTS: Forty-four patients were included. Twelve of 44 patients achieved an objective response (11 partial, 1 complete, intent-to-treat response rate 27%). Median time to progression was 4.4 months (95% confidence interval: 4.0-4.7) and median survival 9.6 months (95% confidence interval: 2.9-16.2). Patients received a median of three full cycles. Four patients (9%) required dose reductions. No cases of febrile neutropenia or grade 2 to 4 thrombocytopenia were observed. One patient (2%) experienced grade 3/4 nausea and vomiting. CONCLUSIONS: Weekly docetaxel-cisplatin demonstrated comparable efficacy with three-weekly schedules. Although the frequencies of neutropenia and febrile neutropenia were low, non-neutropenic infections remained a problem. Because of relatively short hydration, the schedule can be safely administered in an outpatient setting.
