Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases (Jul 2019)

The Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Four-Weekly Docetaxel as First-Line Therapy in Elderly Lung Cancer Patients with Squamous Cell Carcinoma

  • Jong Hyun Choi, M.D.,
  • Juwhan Choi, M.D.,
  • Sang Mi Chung, M.D.,
  • Jee Youn Oh, M.D., Ph.D.,
  • Young Seok Lee, M.D., Ph.D.,
  • Kyung Hoon Min, M.D., Ph.D.,
  • Gyu Young Hur, M.D., Ph.D.,
  • Jae Jeong Shim, M.D., Ph.D.,
  • Kyung Ho Kang, M.D., Ph.D.,
  • Hyun Kyung Lee, M.D., Ph.D.,
  • Sung Yong Lee, M.D., Ph.D.

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 82, no. 3
pp. 211 – 216

Abstract

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Background Docetaxel is one of the standard treatments for advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Docetaxel is usually administered in a 3-week schedule, but there is significant toxicity. In this phase II clinical study, we investigated the efficacy and safety of a 4-weekly schedule of docetaxel monotherapy, as first-line chemotherapy for advanced squamous cell carcinoma in elderly lung cancer patients. Methods Patients with stage IIIB/ IV lung squamous-cell carcinoma age 70 or older, that had not undergone cytotoxic chemotherapy were enrolled. Patients received docetaxel 25 mg/m2 on days 1, 8, and 15, every 4 weeks. Primary endpoint was the objective response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and toxicity profiles. Results A total of 19 patients were enrolled. Among 19 patients, 17 were for evaluated efficacy and safety. In the intent-to-treat population, ORR and disease control rate (DCR) were 11.8% and 47.1%, respectively. In the response evaluable population, ORR was 16.7% and DCR was 66.7%. Median PFS and OS were 3.1 months and 3.3 months, respectively. There were three adverse grade 3/4 events. Grade 1 neutropenia was reported in one patient. Conclusion Our data failed to demonstrate efficacy of a 4-weekly docetaxel regimen, in elderly patients with a poor performance status. However, incidence of side effects, including neutropenia, was lower than with a 3-week docetaxel regimen, as previously reported.

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