Aims and background: In Western countries, non-small-cell lung cancer is the most important cause of cancer-related death. To date, medical treatment for advanced stages remains of a palliative nature.
Methods: Forty-four patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer were treated in a phase II study with carboplatin and etoposide (each at 60 mg/m2 daily) in a 5-day schedule. Among 44 patients, 18 (40%) had stage IIIB disease and 26 (60%) had stage IV disease.
Results: Treatment was well tolerated, and the only significant side effect was alopecia. The overall response rate was 27% with 2 complete remissions; median survival time was 10.4 months. One of the 2 patients achieving a complete remission was still alive and disease free at 36 months from the start of therapy. An improvement of performance status was observed in 22 patients (50%).
Conclusions: The combinations of carboplatin and etoposide using this schedule appears to be well tolerated and has some activity in the palliation of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer.