Utility of day 8 blood tests on platinum plus vinorelbine regimen

Background The combination of cisplatin or carboplatin with vinorelbine is one of the standard regimens in non-small-cell lung cancer. Some studies have shown that the hemogram on day-8 could be avoided in patients with cisplatin. However, carboplatin had not been studied and is considered to be more myelotoxic than cisplatin. Objective To quantify the incidence of thrombocytopenia, anemia, neutropenia and impaired liver and renal tests on day 8 in patients receiving a doublet protocol including a platinum and vinorelbine. Method The incidence of blood test abnormalities has been quantified in all patients who had received at least one course of cisplatin or carboplatin plus vinorelbine from January 14-December 14. Results Eighty-nine patients and 314 courses on day-8 were evaluated. Moderate or severe hematological toxicity was observed in 5.7 % courses. Dose was skipped in 1.3 % courses related to neutropenia. Renal and liver impairment were not shown. Delayed and reduced doses and early discontinued treatment on day-8 were not caused by blood test abnormalities. Conclusions Blood tests might be spared on day-8 depending on the individual characteristics, above all in patients with carboplatin.