Tuberc Respir Dis.  2005 Apr;58(4):344-351.

Gemcitabine Plus Vinorelbine as Second-line Chemotherapy of the Patients of Previously Treated Non-small Cell lung Cancer: Phase II Trial

• Jang PS
• Kang HM
• Lee JE
• Kwon SJ
• An JY
• Lee YS
• Jeong SS
• Kim JO
• Kim SY

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Both gemcitabine and vinorelbine are effective anticancer drugs with mild toxicity on non-small cell lung cancer, and monotherapy of these drugs are effective as a second-line chemotherapy. The aim of this trial was to assess the response and toxicity of a combination of gemcitabine and vinorelbine in patients of previously treated for non-small cell lung cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 24 patients, initial stage III A/B,IV and previously treated with platinium and taxane based regimens, were enrolled from June 2000 to March 2004. The regimens consisted of vinorelbine 25mg/m2 followed by an infusion of gemcitabine 1000mg/m2 on day 1 and day 8 every three weeks. This course was repeated more than twice.
RESULTS
Twenty-four patients were analyzed for the response, survival rate, and toxicities. The overall response was 17% with a complete remission rate of 4%. The median time-to progression (TTP) was 3.1 months (95%, CI 1-10months), and the survival time was 8.2 months (95%, CI 1-23 months). The grade 3/4 toxicities encountered were neutropenia (12.5%), anemia (0%), thrombocytopenia (0%). Non-hematological 3/4 toxicities were not observed.
CONCLUSION
A combination of gemcitabine and vinorelbine in patients previously treated for non-small cell lung cancer provides a relatively good response rate, and a low toxicity profile. However, further study will be needed to confirm its effectiveness.

Keyword

Advanced non-small cell lung cancer; Second-line chemotherapy; Gemcitabine; Vinorelbine

MeSH Terms

Anemia
Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung*
Drug Therapy*
Humans
Neutropenia
Survival Rate
Thrombocytopenia