BACKGROUNDThe use of oxaliplatin is very little in the treatment of lung can- cer . This study is designed to find out the efficacy and toxicity of the combination of oxaliplatin and gemcitabine in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODSThere were 32 cases of advanced NSCLC patients who were treated with oxaliplatin 65mg/m² by intravenous infusion on the 1st and 8th days, and gemcitabine 800-1000mg/m² by intravenous infusion on the 1st and 8th days every 21 days. After 2 cycles the efficacy was evaluated.

RESULTSThere were 31 cases that could be evaluated. No complete response was observed and the overall response rate was 22.6% (7 partial response). The disease control rate was 71.0%. The median time to diease progression was 7 months and the median survival time was 14.5 months. The 1-year survival rate was 59.0% and 2-year survival rate was 45.8%. The main toxicities were myelosuppression and nausea and vomiting.

CONCLUSIONSThe combination of oxaliplatin and gemcitabine is effective and well tolerated in the treatment of advanced NSCLC. The quality of life is little influenced and the regimen also can prolong the survival time in some patients.