Combination Chemotherapy with Docetaxel and Carboplatin for Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Docetaxel has shown promising single-agent activity in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and its activity can be enhanced by the addition of platinum compounds. Several studies indicate that carboplatin may be as effective as cisplatin but with better tolerability.

A phase II study was performed to investigate the safety and efficacy of combination chemotherapy with docetaxel and carboplatin in patients with advanced NSCLC.

30 chemotherapy-naïve patients with stage IIIB and IV NSCLC were treated with docetaxel 90 mg/m(2) over 1 hour, followed by carboplatin administered according to a target area under the curve of 5 mg/ml/min (Calvert's formula). Treatment was repeated every 3 weeks for 6 cycles.

Myelosuppression was the predominant toxicity. Grade 3 or 4 granulocytopenia occurred in 77% of the patients. However, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) was not utilised and neutropenic fever did not occur. Grade 3 or 4 nail disorder developed in 27% of the patients. Other non-haematological toxicities, including fluid retention, were mild to moderate. The objective response rate was 30% (two complete and seven partial responses). The median time to progression was 24 weeks and median survival 57 weeks. One-year survival was 56%.

The combination of docetaxel and carboplatin appears to be well tolerated and active in patients with advanced NSCLC.