CARBOPLATIN AND ETOPOSIDE IN AN OUTPATIENT SCHEDULE FOR THE PALLIATION OF ADVANCED NON-SMALL-CELL LUNG-CANCER

Aims and Background In Western countries, non-small-cell lung cancer i s the most important cause of cancer-related death. To date, medical t reatment for advanced stages remains of a palliative nature. Methods: Forty-four patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer were trea ted in a phase II study with carboplatin and etoposide (each at 60 mg/ m(2) daily) in a 5-day schedule. Among 44 patients, 18 (40%) had stage IIIB disease and 26 (60%) had stage IV disease. Results: Treatment wa s well tolerated, and the only significant side effect was alopecia. T he overall response rate was 27% with 2 complete remissions; median su rvival time was 10.4 months. One of the 2 patients achieving a complet e remission was still alive and disease free at 36 months from the sta rt of therapy. An improvement of performance status was observed in 22 patients (50%). Conclusions The combination of carboplatin and etopos ide using this schedule appears to be well tolerated and has some acti vity in the palliation of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer.