A phase I study of weekly docetaxel and cisplatin in advanced non-small cell lung cancer

This phase I study was designed to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and toxicity of a weekly docetaxel (TXT) and cisplatin (CDDP) combination regimen in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients with stage IIIB or IV NSCLC who were previously untreated were eligible. Docetaxel, at a starting dose of 20 mg m(-2) per week on days 1, 8 and 15, was combined with a fixed dose of cisplatin 80 mg m(-2) on day 1. Docetaxel was increased in 5 mg m(-2) per week steps. Chemotherapy was given in a 4-weeks cycle. Dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) were defined as grade 3-4 leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, fever with grade 4 neutropenia and more than grade 2 non-hematologic toxicity, with the exception of nausea, vomiting, and alopecia. Omission of chemotherapy on day 8 and/or 15 was also considered DLT. Eighteen patients were enrolled in this study. Leukopenia, anemia and fatigue were the DLTs. No grade 4 toxicities were seen in any patients. The overall response rate was 44.4% (95% confidence interval, 21.5-67.4%). The recommended dose of TXT to be combined with CDDP 80 mg m(-2) on day 1 is 35 mg m(-2) per week on days 1, 8 and 15. This is a promising regimen, therefore a multicenter phase II study is now under way.