Background & objective: In most instances, advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is treated with primary chemotherapy. Many chemotherapy regimens can palliate cancer-related symptoms and modestly improve survival and quality of life. This clinical trial was designed to compare the efficacy and toxicity of two regimens: PG regimen [cisplatin and gemcitabine] versus PN regimen [cisplatin and vinorelbine].
Methods: A total of 64 patients were enrolled in this study, 31 patients received PG regimen and 33 patients received PN regimen. Patients in both groups were well-matched with baseline disease characteristics (P >0.05).
Results: In PG group, the response rate was 32.3% [10/31, 95% confidence interval (CI):16.3%-48.7%][1 complete response (CR), 9 partial response (PR), 17 no change (NC), 4 progressive disease (PD)]; whereas in group PN, the response rate was 29.03% (9/31,95% CI:13.1%-44.9%) (0CR, 9PR, 17NC, 5PD). The difference of response rates between two groups was not statistically significant (P=0.526, Chi-square test). The median survival were 12 months for group PG (95%CI:10-14 months) and 11 months for group PN (95% CI:10-12 months). The difference of median survival between two groups was not statistically significant(P=0.5799, log-rang test). The major toxicity was myelosuppression. Leucopenia was more pronounced in group PN (P=0.009), Thrombocytopenia was more pronounced in group PG(P=0.01).
Conclusion: PG and PN are two effective regimens for the patients with advanced NSCLC; the major toxicity was myelosuppression. Leucopenia was pronounced in group PN. Thrombocytopenia was pronounced in group PG. Neurotoxicity was observed in group PN.