Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of combination chemotherapy with cisplatin and vinorelbine for the treatment of previously untreated patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Patients and methods: Eligible patients were those with measurable NSCLC. They were treated with two or more cycles of a regimen consisting of vinorelbine 25 mg/m(2) on days 1 and 8 and cisplatin 80 mg/m(2) on day 1 every 3 weeks.
Results: A total of 45 patients were enrolled. The response rate was 51.1% (23/45; 95% CI 35.8% to 66.3%). The median survival was 286 days with a 1-year survival rate of 40%. The median number of treatment cycles was 2. The major toxic effect was neutropenia of grade 3 or higher (84%). Nonhematological toxicities, including vomiting (62%), were mild (grade 2 or less). There were no treatment-related deaths.
Conclusion: The high response rate and good tolerability proved this combination therapy to be a safe and effective treatment for advanced NSCLC.