[Combination chemotherapy of carboplatin and docetaxel for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)]

Since mid-1997, we have treated 60 patients with advanced NSCLC with carboplatin (CBDCA) plus docetaxel (TXT). CBDCA (300-400 mg/m2) and TXT (60 mg/m2) were given on day 1 every 3 weeks. The mean treatment cycle was 2.3 +/- 1.4 (range 1-7). Fifty-four patients had measurable tumors, of whom 2 patients achieved a complete response and 19 patients achieved a partial response (37.0%, 95% CI: 24.3-51.3%) (Ad 12/29, Sq 7/23, Lar 1/2). Median survival time was 12.8 months and 1 year survival was 53.6%. AUC of CBDCA was not related to response (AUC of responders and non-responders was 3.29). Myelosuppression was moderate (WBC 2,284 mm3, range 800-4,700, PLT 16.4 x 10(4) mm3, range 6.6-41.5 x 10(4), Hb 10.9 g/dl, range 6.4-15.8). Leukocytopenia was related to AUC of CBDCA (R2 = 0.1093) but thrombocytopenia was not related to AUC of CBDCA (R2 = 0.0553). Gastrointestinal toxicity was mild (grade 0-1: 57%, grade 2: 35%, grade 3: 8%, grade 4: 0%). Treatment with CBDCA plus TXT combination is safe and effective in patients with NSCLC.