Background: Vinorelbine was added to carboplatin plus paclitaxel to determine efficacy and toxicity in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with good performance status.
Patients and methods: Vinorelbine 30 mg/m2 plus paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 plus carboplatin AUC 5 was administered every three weeks for a maximum of 6 cycles.
Results: One out of 37 patients had a complete and 12 a partial remission (35% response rate). Six patients (16%) had disease stabilization and 18 (49%) progressed. Grade III or IV neutropenia occurred in 11 (30%) and febrile neutropenia in 6 (16%) patients. Grade III/IV neuropathy was observed in 6 (16%) patients. The median time to progression was 6 months (95% CI 4.0 - 8.0), and median survival 11 months (95% CI 8.3 - 13.7). One- and two-year survival was 41% (95% CI 24 - 58) and 24% (95% CI 8.7 - 39.1), respectively.
Conclusion: This triple-chemotherapy combination is feasible. The response rates justify further investigation in similar patient subgroups.