Carboplatin: a very active new cisplatin analog in the treatment of small cell lung cancer
Smith, I.E.; Harland, S.J.; Robinson, B.A.; Evans, B.D.; Goodhart, L.C.; Calvert, A.H.; Yarnold, J.; Glees, J.P.; Baker, J.; Ford, H.T.
Cancer Treatment Reports 69(1): 43-46
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0361-5960 PMID: 2981620 Document Number: 251004
Carboplatin, a cisplatin analog without significant clinical nephrotoxicity, has been evaluated in the treatment of 56 patients with small cell lung carcinoma at a dose of 300-400 mg/m2 iv monthly in a phase II study. Twenty-three patients (41%) achieved a response, including five (9%) complete remissions. Of 30 previously untreated patients, 18 (60%) achieved a response, including three (10%) complete remissions. Median response duration was 4.5 months (range, 2-9). No nephrotoxicity was seen and hydration was not required. Nausea or vomiting occurred in only 24 patients (43%) and was rarely severe. Myelosuppression was dose-limiting: 20 patients (36%) developed leukopenia and eight (14%) developed thrombocytopenia, but leukopenic infections occurred in only three patients. Carboplatin is a very active new agent in the treatment of small cell lung cancer, with less toxicity and better tolerance than cisplatin. It merits further investigation in combination chemotherapy and against non-small cell lung cancer.