Docetaxel for Locally Advanced or Metastatic Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Docetaxel (Taxotere) has shown activity both as a single-agent and in combination with multiple other cytotoxic agents in the front-line therapy of advanced, metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A randomized, phase III trial demonstrated a survival advantage for docetaxel over best supportive care in the front-line setting, with docetaxel achieving a 2-year survival of 12% vs 0% for best supportive care. Combinations of docetaxel with the platinum agents have been the most extensively studied in the front-line setting and have produced notably high response rates and encouraging median survivals.
ABSTRACT: Docetaxel (Taxotere) has shown activity both as a single-agent and in combination with multiple other cytotoxic agents in the front-line therapy of advanced, metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A randomized, phase III trial demonstrated a survival advantage for docetaxel over best supportive care in the front-line setting, with docetaxel achieving a 2-year survival of 12% vs 0% for best supportive care. Combinations of docetaxel with the platinum agents have been the most extensively studied in the front-line setting and have produced notably high response rates and encouraging median survivals. When compared to the paclitaxel/cisplatinum combination in a large, phase III randomized trial, the combination of docetaxel and cisplatin resulted in similar response, median survival, and 1-year survival rates. Another randomized phase III trial compared docetaxel/platinum combinations to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved vinorelbine (Navelbine)/cisplatin regimen. The docetaxel/cisplatin combination produced a superior overall survival, 2-year survival, and overall response rates compared to vinorelbine/cisplatin. The combination of docetaxel and carboplatin (Paraplatin) demonstrated similar survival and response, and was associated with quality-of-life benefits over the vinorelbine/cisplatin arm. Docetaxel has been successfully combined with gemcitabine in multiple trials with impressive response and survival rates, and an acceptable toxicity profile. A large phase IIb trial demonstrated therapeutic equivalence and lesser toxicities for the docetaxel/gemcitabine combination compared to the combination of docetaxel and cisplatin. The docetaxel/gemcitabine combination therefore represents a viable nonplatinum regimen for first-line treatment of NSCLC. Other combinations that have been tested include docetaxel with vinorelbine, and docetaxel with irinotecan (CPT-11, Camptosar). Docetaxel is active in NSCLC and should be investigated further in combination with novel molecularly targeted drugs such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and farnesyl transferase inhibitors. [ONCOLOGY 16(Suppl 6):53-62, 2002]
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