Carboplatin and etoposide in an out-patient schedule for the palliation of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer

Aims and Background In Western countries, non-small-cell lung cancer is the most important cause of cancer-related death. To date, medical treatment for advanced stages remains of a palliative nature. Methods: Forty-four patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer were treated in a phase II study with carboplatin and etoposide (each at 60 mg/m(2) daily) in a 5-day schedule. Among 44 patients, 18 (40%) had stage IIIB disease and 26 (60%) had stage IV disease. Results: Treatment was well tolerated, and the only significant side effect was alopecia. The overall response rate was 27% with 2 complete remissions; median survival time was 10.4 months. One of the 2 patients achieving a complete remission was still alive and disease free at 36 months from the start of therapy. An improvement of performance status was observed in 22 patients (50%). Conclusions The combination of carboplatin and etoposide using this schedule appears to be well tolerated and has some activity in the palliation of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer.