New drugs in the palliative chemotherapy of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer

In inoperable advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), palliative chemotherapy is established and aims at palliation of symptoms, improvement of quality of life and prolongation of survival. In the last years, several new drugs with enhanced activity towards NSCLC and improved toxicity profile have been characterised, for example vinorelbine, gemcitabine, paclitaxel and docetaxel. Data from randomised trials suggest that regimens containing new drugs are more active than older combinations. Platin-based combinations of either vinorelbine, gemcitabine or paclitaxel have resulted in better outcome than cisplatin alone and new drugs in combination with platins are more active than the corresponding single agent. Non-platin-based combinations must be considered investigational until their non-inferiority to platin-based protocols has been proven in randomised trials on large patient populations. Patients with good performance status and adequate organ function should receive platin-based chemotherapy that includes the new drugs (vinorelbine, gemcitabine, paclitaxel or docetaxel). New drugs without platins are suitable for elderly patients and patients with poor performance status. Second-line chemotherapy prolongs survival in selected patients and should be particularly offered to patients with good performance status.