BACKGROUNDTo evaluate the efficacy and side effects of weekly administration of gemcitabine combined with docetaxel in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

METHODSTwenty-six patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, with or without prior chemotherapy, were entered into this study. Gemcitabine and docetaxel were administrated weekly for 3 consecutive weeks, followed by 1 week rest. Gemcitabine was given as 800-1 200 mg/m² by intravenous infusion on days 1, 8, 15; while docetaxel was 35 mg/m² intravenously on the same days as gemcitabine. The efficacy including response rate and median survival duration and toxicity were observed.

RESULTSOf the 26 patients, one achieved complete response (CR), and 6 achieved partial response (PR), with an overall response rate of 27%. The median survival duration was 9.5 months and 1-year survival rate was 38% (10/26). The main toxicities were neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. One patient died from allergic shock.

CONCLUSIONSThe combination of docetaxel and gemcitabine is effective and well-tolerated in the treatment of advanced NSCLC.