Randomized phase II trial of carboplatin combined with weekly paclitaxel (CP) and docetaxel alone (D) in elderly patients (pts) with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): NJLCG 0801.

Abstract

7565 Background: Standard first-line chemotherapy for elderly NSCLC pts has been considered as a monotherapy with vinorelbine or gemcitabine globally. However, we have demonstrated the high efficacy of CP for elderly pts in our previous trial (Ann Oncol 2010). Meanwhile, D has been considered as an alternative option for this population in Japan according to the result of WJTOG9904 (JCO 2006). Thus we compared the two regimens to select the proper candidate for future phase III trial. Methods: Eligible pts were aged 70 years or older with newly diagnosed stage IIIB/IV NSCLC; ECOG performance status 0-1; adequate organ function; written informed consent. Pts were randomized to receive carboplatin (AUC 6) on day 1 and paclitaxel (70mg/m2 on day 1, 8, and 15) every 4 weeks or D (60mg/m2 on day 1) every 3 weeks. The primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR), and secondary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival, and toxicity profile. Assuming that ORR of 40% would be potential usefulness while ORR of 20% would be the lower limit of interest, 40 pts in each arm were required if expect 10% loss to follow up. Results: Between July 2006 and September 2010, 84 pts were enrolled and 41 pts in CP arm and 42 pts in D arm were eligible (median age, 76 years; 75% male; 72% stage IV). Median treatment cycle was 4 in each arm (CP, range 1-6; D, range 1-8). ORRs were 51% (95%CI: 36-66%) and 26% (95%CI: 12-39%) in the CP and D arm, respectively. With a median follow-up of 18.4 months, median PFS were 6.5 and 3.9 months in the CP and D arm, respectively (Logrank, P=0.0027). Grade 3 or severer toxicities were as follows: neutropenia (CP, 56% and D, 79%), anemia (CP, 15% and D, 7%), thrombocytopenia (CP, 10% and D, 0%), infection (CP, 20% and D, 25%). One treatment-related death due to neutropenia, pneumonia, and lethal arrhythmia occurred in D arm but none in CP arm. Conclusions: The platinum doublet CP achieved higher activity with an acceptable toxicity profile for elderly pts with advanced NSCLC compared to monotherapy with D. The superiority of CP to the monotherapy in this trial is consistent with results of recent IFCT-0501 trial (Lancet 2011).