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Efficacy and Toxicity of Gemcitabine and Cisplatin in Elderly or Poor Performance Status Patients with Unresectable NSCLC

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— 1 min read

Elderly or poor performance status patients with unresectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) may benefit from a 4-week schedule of combination chemotherapy consisting of gemcitabine and cisplatin. This treatment regimen was investigated in a study of 48 patients with previously untreated NSCLC. Results showed a partial response and stable disease in 20 patients (41.7%) and 12 patients (25.0%), respectively. The overall median survival was 10.30 months, but major toxicities included neutropenia and infection in 29.2% and 27.1% of patients.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study involved 48 patients with previously untreated NSCLC, who received a 4-week schedule of combination chemotherapy consisting of gemcitabine and cisplatin.
  • A partial response and stable disease were observed in 20 patients (41.7%) and 12 patients (25.0%), respectively.
  • The overall median survival was 10.30 months, with a range of 7.85-12.74 months.
  • The treatment was associated with major toxicities, including neutropenia (grade 3 to 4, 29.2%) and infection (grade 3 to 4, 27.1%).
  • The researchers concluded that this regimen is a feasible treatment for elderly or poor performance status patients with unresectable NSCLC, but the morbidity due to myelosuppression and infection should be carefully considered.
  • The study was conducted by G.W. Lee and colleagues at Seoul National University, Medical Department.

Statistics:

  • 48 patients were enrolled in the study
  • 20 patients (41.7%) experienced a partial response
  • 12 patients (25.0%) experienced stable disease
  • The overall median survival was 10.30 months
  • Neutropenia (grade 3 to 4) occurred in 29.2% of patients
  • Infection (grade 3 to 4) occurred in 27.1% of patients

Sources:

  • Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology
  • Fixed-dose rate infusion of gemcitabine and weekly cisplatin in elderly or poor performance status patients with unresectable non-small cell lung cancer. Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology, 2009;64(2):385-390.
  • Springer, 233 Spring St., New York, NY 10013, USA.

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