Efficacy of docetaxel in non-small-cell lung cancer patients previously treated with paltinum-containing chemotherapy

Purpose: Determine the response to, and toxicity of docetaxel (Taxotere(R)) in patients (pts) with inoperable non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) previously treated with platinum-containing chemotherapy. Patients and methods: Twenty-seven patients with stage IIIB or IV NSCLC, having received one platinum-containing regimen were treated with 100 mg/m(2)/3 weeks of docetaxel until tumor progression or severe toxicity. Premedication with prednisolane and diosmine was given in all patients. Antitumoral activity was assessable in 21/27 pts. Median age: 52 years; WHO performance status 0-1: 77% pts, stage IV disease: 63% pts. Results: 6/21 eligible pts (24%) achieved a partial response to treatment [C.I 95%: 5.6-42]. Median time to progression: 2.9 months, median survival: 8,5 months with a median follow-up of 23.7 months (range: 13.5-27). Hematologic toxicity: grade 3-4 neutropenia: 75% pts, febrile neutropenia: 11% cycles. Non hematologic toxicities: fluid retention, rash, alopecia, sensory neuropathy, asthenia, and nail changes. Conclusion: Docetaxel (Taxotere(R)) administered at 100mg/m(2)/3 weeks has relevant clinical activity against platinum treated NSCLC pts. Neutropenia is the main toxicity.