Related Experiment Videos
Single-agent paclitaxel as a 3-hour infusion
U Gatzemeier1, R Neuhauss, I Schluter
1Department of Thoracic Oncology, Hospital Grosshansdorf, Hamburg, Germany.
Seminars in Oncology
|December 1, 1996
Summary
This phase II trial evaluated paclitaxel for advanced non-small cell lung cancer. The 3-hour infusion showed manageable toxicity but requires further study for efficacy compared to longer infusions.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) presents significant treatment challenges.
- Paclitaxel is a key chemotherapy agent used in NSCLC treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy and toxicity of paclitaxel administered via a 3-hour infusion in patients with inoperable stage IIIB-IV NSCLC.
- To evaluate the safety and convenience of this shortened infusion schedule.
Main Methods:
- Phase II clinical trial.
- 58 evaluable patients with inoperable stage IIIB-IV NSCLC and no prior chemotherapy.
- Paclitaxel 225 mg/m2 administered every 3 weeks for up to 10 courses as a 3-hour infusion.
Main Results:
- Partial responses observed in 12 patients; 12 had progressive disease, and 26 had no change. No complete responses were recorded.
- Median time to response was 8.7 weeks, with a median survival of 10 months.
- Toxicity was generally mild, with grade 1 or 2 leukopenia in most cases and one instance of grade 3 gastrointestinal toxicity.
Conclusions:
- The 3-hour paclitaxel infusion appears convenient and safe for advanced NSCLC.
- Further research is needed to confirm the efficacy of this shortened schedule compared to the standard 24-hour infusion.