Concurrent chemoradiation for locally advanced stage III non-small cell lung cancer with cisplatin, vinorelbine, and thoracic radiotherapy: a phase II study from the Galician Lung Cancer Group

Purpose The aim of this phase II study was to evaluate the activity and safety of the combination of cisplatin and vinorelbine with thoracic radiotherapy in unresectable locally advanced stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The primary endpoint was the objective response rate (ORR). Secondary objectives included toxicity profile, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Materials and methods A total of 48 NSCLC patients were enrolled (median age 60 years, 52% stage IIIA and 48% stage IIIB, 52% adenocarcinoma). Patients received three cycles of chemotherapy every 21 days [intravenous cisplatin 80 mg/m 2 and intravenous vinorelbine 25 mg/m 2 on day 1 and oral vinorelbine on day 8 (60 mg/m 2 )] concurrent with radiotherapy (66 Gy, administered at 1.8 Gy per day, five consecutive days per week). Results ORR was 79.2% (72.9% showing partial response and 6.3% showing complete response). With a median follow-up of 20.7 months, median PFS was 12 months and median OS was 36 months. Grade 3/4 toxicities were: neutropenia (14.5%), anaemia (6.2%), vomiting (2%), and oesophagitis (4.2%). No toxic deaths were reported. Conclusion This combined regimen shows efficacy and a manageable safety profile. PFS and OS outcomes are encouraging and warrant further research.