BACKGROUNDTo compare the efficacy and side effects between cisplatin solution and cisplatin powder combination regimens for lung cancer.

METHODSA total of 223 patients were enrolled into this study. EP protocol was given to patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC), and NP protocol to non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The 223 patients were randomly divided into cisplatin solution group and cisplatin powder group, and the same drugs and dosage were used in the two groups for the same type of lung cancer.

RESULTSResponse rates of the cisplatin solution group and the cisplatin powder group were 84.8% and 82.4% for SCLC ( P > 0.05), and 31.6% and 29.9% for NSCLC ( P > 0.05), respectively. The major side effects were gastrointestinal reactions and myelosuppression. Significantly higher incidence of nausea/vomiting was found in cisplatin solution group than that in cisplatin powder group for either SCLC or NSCLC ( P < 0.05). There was a remarkable difference in cost of hospitalization between the two groups ( P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSCisplatin solution is as effective as cisplatin powder in the treatment of lung cancer. However, the more severe nausea/vomiting reactions and higher cost of cisplatin solution should be considered in its clinical application.