BACKGROUNDNo chemotherapeutic regimen and agent are effective for most patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study is designed to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of the combination of gemcitabine and cisplatin in the treatment of NSCLC..

METHODSSixty cases of NSCLC in stage III and IV were treated with gemcitabine 1200mg/m² by intravenous infusion on 1st and 8th days, and cisplatin 100mg/m² by intravenous infusion on 1st day or 30mg/m² by intravenous infusion on 1st and 8th days in a 28-day cycle. Each patient was treated at least for 2 cycles.

RESULTSAn objective response was obtained in 46.67% of patients (3 complete and 25 partial responses), whereas 22 patients had no change and 10 patients were progressive. The response rate was 57.14% in patients without prior chemotherapy and 22.22% in patients with prior treatment. Significant difference existed between the two groups (P < 0.05). The main toxicities were leukopenia and thrombocytopenia, but didn't influence the chemotherapy.

CONCLUSIONSThe combination of gemcitabine and cisplatin is a feasible, well-tolerated and effective scheme in the treatment of advanced NSCLC.