Symptomatic response to a non-platinum doublet in performance status 2 (PS 2) patients (pts) with non-small lung cancer (NSCLC)

Abstract

7303 Background: Because PS 2 NSCLC pts have poor outcomes with platinum-based chemotherapy, we tested the palliative effects and safety of a non-platinum doublet in a phase II study. Methods: Docetaxel 60 mg/m2 Day 1 and Gemcitabine 800 mg/m2 Days 1, 8 and 15, were given q 4 weeks. Symptomatic responses were assessed q cycle and radiographic tumor responses q 2 cycles. Lung cancer-specific symptom burden and quality of life (QOL) were assessed by patient and observer using the Lung Cancer Symptom Scale (LCSS) and the Subjective Health Estimation (SHE). Results: 30 pts were entered: 17 males, median age 69 yrs, 22 stage IV, 13 with severe cardiorespiratory co-morbidities. Pts received a median of 2 cycles. Toxicities were grade 4 neutropenia (5), febrile neutropenia (1), grade 3 anemia (2), grade 3 asthenia (11). Ten (33%) of pts had partial responses. 21 pts completed baseline QOL assessments with at least one follow-up (F/U). There was no significant difference in age, rate of severe co-morbidities, bas...