Purpose: Determine the response to, and toxicity of docetaxel (Taxotere) in patients (pts) with inoperable non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) previously treated with platinum-containing chemotherapy.
Patients and methods: Twenty-seven patients with stage IIIB or IV NSCLC, having received one platinum-containing regimen were treated with 100 mg/m2/3 weeks of docetaxel until tumor progression or severe toxicity. Premedication with prednisolone and diosmin was given in all patients. Antitumoral activity was assessable in 21/27 pts. Median age: 52 years; WHO performance status 0-1: 77% pts, stage IV disease: 63% pts.
Results: 6/21 eligible pts (24%) achieved a partial response to treatment [C.I 95%: 5.6-42]. Median time to progression: 2.9 months, median survival: 8.5 months with a median follow-up of 23.7 months (range: 13.5-27). Hematologic toxicity: grade 3-4 neutropenia: 75% pts, febrile neutropenia: 11% cycles. Non hematologic toxicities: fluid retention, rash, alopecia, sensory neuropathy, asthenia, and nail changes.
Conclusion: Docetaxel (Taxotere) administered at 100 mg/m2/3 weeks has relevant clinical activity against platinum treated NSCLC pts. Neutropenia is the main toxicity.