Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of vinorelbine plus cisplatin in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) previously treated with taxane-based chemotherapy.
Methods: Thirty patients (0 - 1 score ECOG performance status) with stage IIIB/IV NSCLC previously treated with taxane-based chemotherapy were eligible for the study. Fifteen patients received the regimen of vinorelbine plus cisplatin (NP), the others received mitomycin, vindesine plus cisplatin (MVP).
Results: The overall response rates were 13.3% in NP and 0 in MVP (P > 0.05). Time to progression was longer for NP patients than that for MVP ones (6 v 3 months, P < 0.05), so was median survival (9 v 6 months, P < 0.05). The 1-year survival rate of 40.0% in the NP group was significantly higher than that of 0 in MVP (P < 0.05). Grade III-IV toxicity was observed at a similar rate in both groups (P > 0.05), though both well tolerated.
Conclusion: Regimen of vinorelbine plus cisplatin is appropriate for good performance status patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer previously treated with taxane-based chemotherapy. Time to progression, median survival and 1-year survival are satisfactory in patients treated with NP, which is complicated with acceptable toxicity.