[Cisplatin schedule in combination with gemcitabine in unresectable non-small cell lung cancer]

Gemcitabine (on days 1, 8, and 15)-cisplatin (on day 15) combinations were used to treat 9 patients with unresectable non-small cell lung cancer to study efficacy and safety. Gemcitabine 1,000 mg/m2 was administered on days 1, 8, and 15 of a 28-day cycle. Cisplatin 60-65 mg/m2 was administered on day 15 of a 28-day cycle. Three cycles were planned per patient. The nine patients received 25 cycles of chemotherapy. Objective response rates was 55% (complete response 11% and partial response 44%). Stable disease was 33%, and progressive disease was 11%. Seven of 9 patients received the planned 3 cycles of therapy. Two patients received only 2 cycles, due to progressive disease (1 patient), and ulcerative colitis (1 patient). Grade 3 leukopenia was 22%, and grade 3 neutropenia was 11%. No grade 4 hematological toxicities were observed. Grade 3 anorexia was 11%, and grade 3 skin rash which occurred in the first cycle 22%. Our data show less toxicity and no significant difference in response rates, so the administration of cisplatin on day 15 seemed to be a useful and safe regimen.