Combined carboplatin and cisplatin therapy in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer

Combining cisplatin and carboplatin may eliminate some of the toxic effects of each agent and permit the use of higher doses, because these agents have different pharmacodynamics and dose-limiting toxicities. We investigated the safety and efficacy of these agents in combination. The toxicity profile was evaluated in a Phase I trial in 18 patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Carboplatin was administered in doses ranging from 200 to 400 mg/m2 on day 1 and cisplatin at a dose of 80 mg/m2 on day 3. Only one cycle of chemotherapy was administered. Thrombocytopenia was the dose-limiting toxic effect. The maximal tolerated dose of carboplatin was 350 mg/m2. We then investigated the efficacy of the optimal dose of this combined chemotherapy in a Phase II trial in 13 patients. We used a carboplatin dose of 300 mg/m2 for safety in the Phase II trial. Three of 13 patients developed grade 3-4 hematologic toxicity, which was improved without major complications. A partial response was observed in 5 of 13 patients (38.5%). Combination chemotherapy with carboplatin (day 1, 300 mg/m2) and cisplatin (day 3, 80 mg/m2) showed promising effects in patients with advanced NSCLC.