Randomized phase II study of carboplatin and paclitaxel (CP) versus gemcitabine and vinorelbine (GV) in performance status (PS) 2 patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): Preliminary results of West Japan Thoracic Oncology Group 0004

Abstract

7151 Background: A platinum-based chemotherapy is a standard treatment in PS 0–1 patients with advanced NSCLC and a non-platinum doublet is an alternative option. However, the role of combination chemotherapy remains to be defined in PS 2 patients with advanced NSCLC. We have conducted a randomized phase II study to compare the efficacy and safety of CP versus GV in PS 2 patients with NSCLC. Methods: Chemotherapy-naive ECOG PS 2 patients with stage IIIB (malignant effusion) or IV NSCLC were enrolled in this study. Patients were randomized to carboplatin AUC 6 and paclitaxel 200 mg/m2 day 1 every 3 weeks or gemcitabine 1,000 mg/ m2 and vinorelbine 25mg/m2 day 1, 8 every 3 weeks. The primary endpoint was 1-year survival rate and secondary endpoint were response rate, toxicity, time to progression and quality of life. Results: A total of 89 patients were enrolled and 86 were eligible: 42 patients (median age 64 years, male/female 31/11, stage IIIB/IV 7/35) in CP and 44 patients (median age 67 years, male/female 33/11, stage IIIB/IV 7/37) in GV. Of 84 patients evaluable for response, one complete response and 11 partial responses were obtained in CP (29.3%) and 9 partial responses in GV (20.9%). As of 12/05, toxicity data were available in 80 patients. Grade 3/4 toxicity in CP and GV included neutropenia 65.8% vs 63.4%, anemia 13.2% vs 31.7%, thrombocytopenia 7.9% vs 12.2%, liver dysfunction 2.6% vs 9.8%, febrile neutropenia 15.4% vs 12.2%, infection 30.8% vs 22%, nausea/vomiting 15.4% vs 2.4%, constipation 23.1% vs 7.3% pulmonary infiltrates 5.1% vs 12.2% and neuropathy 5.1% vs 0%. Conclusions: CP and GV were feasible and effective in PS 2 patients with advanced NSCLC. GV caused more anemia, thrombocytopenia, liver dysfunction and pulmonary infiltrates, while CP produced more nausea/vomiting, constipation and neuropathy. Response and toxicity data in all pts in each arm will be presented at the meeting. No significant financial relationships to disclose.