Phase II study of bevacizumab in combination with docetaxel and carboplatin in patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

18098 Background: The combination of bevacizumab, paclitaxel and carboplatin has been recently shown to increase response rates and survival in patients (pts) with untreated, metastatic, non-squamous, NSCLC and is currently FDA-approved for this indication. However, there are limited data on the safety and efficacy of bevacizumab in combination with other widely used chemotherapy doublets for NSCLC. This is a single-arm, open-labeled, phase II trial of bevacizumab, docetaxel and carboplatin for pts with NSCLC. Methods: Eligibility criteria included chemotherapy-naïve stage IIIB or IV incurable NSCLC of non-squamous cell histology, PS 0–1, no brain metastases, no history of hemoptysis, no cavitation, stable cardiac condition and no full dose anticoagulation. Treatment consisted of docetaxel 75 mg/m2, carboplatin AUC 6, and bevacizumab 15 mg/kg IV on day 1 every 3 weeks for up to 6 cycles followed by bevacizumab 15 mg/kg alone every 3 weeks until progression. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival. Results: 20 pts (12 females) have been enrolled with a planned sample size of 50 pts. Baseline characteristics were: median age 66 years old (37–77), PS 0 (6 pts) or 1 (14 pts), stage IIIB (1 pt) or IV (19 pts). 19 pts are evaluable for response and toxicity at this time. Severe adverse events (SAEs) included: 4 pts with neutropenia (2 febrile neutropenias), mild hemoptysis in 2 pts (treated with radiotherapy), 1 pt with peritoneal perforation (who had a history of diverticula), 1 pt with pulmonary embolism, and 1 pt with grade 3 hypertension. Partial responses by RECIST have been observed in 14 pts (74%, 13 confirmed), and stable disease in 5 pts (26%, 4 confirmed). Disease control rate (PR+SD) was 100% after 4 cycles of therapy. 9/20 pts are off treatment (3 progressions, 5 SAEs, 1 maximal benefit). Progression-free survival will be reported at the completion of the trial. Conclusions: The combination of bevacizumab, docetaxel and carboplatin appears to be efficacious and tolerable for the first-line treatment of metastatic NSCLC. No significant financial relationships to disclose.