Vol 63, No 2 (2013)
Research paper (original)
Published online: 2013-06-10
Retrospective analysis of eff ectiveness and toleration of treatment with platinum derivative and pemetrexed in patients with advanced (stage IIIB and IV) non-small non-squamous cell lung cancer in a few oncology centers
Nowotwory. Journal of Oncology 2013;63(2):119-123.
Abstract
Background. The Scagliotti trial initiated the use of chemotherapy in non-small cell, non-squamous lung cancer
chemotherapy with pemetrexed.
Purpose. Retrospective analysis of eff ectiveness and toleration of palliative chemotherapy with platinum derivative
and pemetrexed.
Materials and methods. The study population was 50 patients with stage IIIB/IV non-small cell non-squamous lung
cancer who had been treated with platinum derivate and pemetrexed. Response and toxicity were analyzed in all
groups. Progression-free survival was assessed for 45 patients who had not received any other treatment before
disease progression and whose date of progression or death was known.
Results. Patients received 1 to 5 cycles of chemotherapy, but 34 (68%) had recommended 3 to 4 cycles. No patient
achieved complete remission. 8 (16%) had a partial response and stabilization was reached in 29 (58%). Progression of
the disease occurred in 13 patients (26%). Clinical benefi t was achieved in 17 patients (34%). Median progression-free
survival was 19 weeks (range 3–92 weeks), and for patients treated with cisplatin 19.8 weeks (3–92 weeks). Treatment
toleration was good. No life threatening side eff ects were reported. Toxicity was as follows: 10 cases of neutropenia,
1 of thrombocytopenia, 7 of anemia, and 6 of non-hematological toxicities were also reported.
Conclusions. Clinical benefi t was achieved in one-third of patients. Progression-free survival was shorter than for
non-squamous cell cancer patients treated with cisplatin and pemetrexed in the Scagliotti trial. Treatment was well
tolerated. For better assessment of treatment eff ectiveness and toxicity a observational study would be useful.
chemotherapy with pemetrexed.
Purpose. Retrospective analysis of eff ectiveness and toleration of palliative chemotherapy with platinum derivative
and pemetrexed.
Materials and methods. The study population was 50 patients with stage IIIB/IV non-small cell non-squamous lung
cancer who had been treated with platinum derivate and pemetrexed. Response and toxicity were analyzed in all
groups. Progression-free survival was assessed for 45 patients who had not received any other treatment before
disease progression and whose date of progression or death was known.
Results. Patients received 1 to 5 cycles of chemotherapy, but 34 (68%) had recommended 3 to 4 cycles. No patient
achieved complete remission. 8 (16%) had a partial response and stabilization was reached in 29 (58%). Progression of
the disease occurred in 13 patients (26%). Clinical benefi t was achieved in 17 patients (34%). Median progression-free
survival was 19 weeks (range 3–92 weeks), and for patients treated with cisplatin 19.8 weeks (3–92 weeks). Treatment
toleration was good. No life threatening side eff ects were reported. Toxicity was as follows: 10 cases of neutropenia,
1 of thrombocytopenia, 7 of anemia, and 6 of non-hematological toxicities were also reported.
Conclusions. Clinical benefi t was achieved in one-third of patients. Progression-free survival was shorter than for
non-squamous cell cancer patients treated with cisplatin and pemetrexed in the Scagliotti trial. Treatment was well
tolerated. For better assessment of treatment eff ectiveness and toxicity a observational study would be useful.