Docetaxel (Taxotere) in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) --is there a role for a new chemotherapy programme?
Armand, J.P.
Gan to Kagaku Ryoho. Cancer and ChemoTherapy 27 Suppl. 2: 223-230
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 0385-0684 PMID: 10895158 Document Number: 516817
Phase II with single-agent docetaxel, in second-line NSCLC, demonstrated an overall response rate of 20%, with a median response duration of 7 months and a median survival time of 9 months. These results suggested that docetaxel had promising activity in patients with platinum-resistant or refractory NSCLC. Phase III studies in this patient population subsequently confirmed this activity; docetaxel prolonged survival when compared to either vinorelbine/ifosfamide or the best supportive care. The phase II studies with docetaxel in first-line NSCLC produced an overall response rate of 30% in evaluable patients, with a median response duration of 6 months and a median survival time of 9 months. A phase III randomized study demonstrated a significant improvement in survival and time to progression with docetaxel, compared to the best supportive care. Based on the activity observed with single-agent docetaxel, combination and multimodality studies with docetaxel have also been conducted. Docetaxel is an active agent in first- and second-line NSCLC. Ongoing studies in the front-line treatment of NSCLC will further define the role of docetaxel in the neo-adjuvant setting.