BACKGROUNDTo evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of the combination of docetaxel and cisplatin in the treatment of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODSForty patients with locally advanced (stage III) or metastatic (stage IV) NSCLC were enrolled into the study. The patients received docetaxel 75 mg/m² on day 1, and cisplatin 75-80 mg/m² on day 1 or days devided into 1-3 of a 21-day cycle. Each patient should complete two cycles.

RESULTSAn objective response rate was obtained in 43.6% of 39 patients (one complete and 16 partial response), whereas 15 patients had stable disease and 7 patients were progressive. The response rate was 44.4% (8/18) in the initial patients, and 42.9% (9/21) in the retreated patients. No significant difference existed between the two groups (P > 0.05). The main toxicities were leukopenia (17.5% in grade III+IV) and thrombocytopenia (12.5% in grade III+IV). One patients died of intracranial hemorrhage.

CONCLUSIONSThe combination of docetaxel and cisplatin is a feasible, well-tolerated and active scheme in the first-line or second-line treatment of advanced NSCLC. Great attention must be paid to the possible severe bone marrow depression of the regimen.