Chemotherapy regimens in advanced non small-cell lung cancer: recent randomized trials

The four chemotherapy regimens evaluated in Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group study 1594 (paclitaxel/ cisplatin, gemcitabine/cisplatin, docetaxel/cisplatin, and paclitaxel/carboplatin) are effective treatment options for the therapy of advanced non small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Only numerical differences have been noted in overall survival with these regimens, probably due to the fact that total therapy received by these patients was the same. There was an improved median time to progression with the gemcitabine/ cisplatin doublet. Choice of a chemotherapy regimen in practice is being based on the tolerability and side-effect profile of these doublets. In the foreseeable future, we will see the use of selective and individualized therapy in addition to chemotherapy in the management of advanced NSCLC.