Abstract:
Objective : To compare the efficacy and safety between 3-week schedule and 4-week schedule of gemcitabine plus cisplatin in the treatment of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and to evaluate the survival data of the 50 patients.
Methodse : A total of 50 chemonaive NSCLC patients of stage ⅢB-IV, KPS≥ 80, measurable lesions and good liver and renal function were enrolled. Three-week schedule was given with Gemcitabine (GEM 1250 mg/M2) on day l and day 8 plus Cisplatin (DDP 75mg/m
2) on day l. The cycle was repeated every 21 days. Fourweek schedule was given with Gemcitabine (GEM 1000 mg/m
2) on day l, day 8 and day 15 plus Cisplatin (DDP 75 mg/m
2) on day l. The cycle was repeated every 28 days.
Results : The overall response rate was 30.0% (15/50) in all of the 50 patients, 27.3% (6/22) in the 4-week schedule group and 32.1% (9/28) in the 3-week schedule group, with no significant difference (
P>0.05). The mean survival time was 8.9 months in the 3-week schedule group and 11.7 in the 4-week schedule group (
P>0.05). The TTP was 4.2 months in the 3-week schedule group and 3.3 months in the 4-week schedule group (
P>0.05). Cox regression analysis indicated that the efficacy of first-line chemotherapy and the following therapy significantly influenced patient survival. No significant difference was found in patient survival between the 3-week and 4-week schedule. Targeted therapy included in the following therapy significantly influenced the patient survival (
P=0.000). The main side effects included leucocytopenia, granulocytopenia, thrombocytopenia, anorexia and nausea, with no significant difference between the 3-week schedule group and the 4-week schedule group.
Conclusion : The combination of Gemcitabine and Cisplatin is an effective regimen in the treatment of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. The 3-week schedule and the 4-week schedule have similar efficacy. The 3-week schedule cause less side effects than the 4-week schedule. The EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor included in the following therapy may improve the overall survival.