Purpose: We conducted a phase II study to determine the response and toxicity of docetaxel (Taxotere; Rhône-Poulenc Rorer Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Collegeville, PA) in chemotherapy-naive patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer.
Patients and methods: We treated 41 chemotherapy-naive patients who had stage IIIb or IV non-small-cell lung cancer with 100 mg/m2 of docetaxel intravenously over 1 hour every 3 weeks. Responses were assessed after every one to two treatment courses. Responses of 39 of 41 patients were assessable. The patient's median age was 63 years; 90% of patients had a Zubrod performance status of 0 or 1. The predominant histology was adenocarcinoma (54%), and 90% of patients had stage IV disease.
Results: Thirteen patients (33%) achieved a partial response to treatment, and the median response duration was 14 weeks. Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia occurred in 97% of patient; this was usually of brief duration and was associated with serious infection in 17% of patients. Other acute toxic effects included easily treated hypersensitivity reactions (36% of patients) and dermatitis (74%). We also observed fluid retention (with peripheral edema or pleural effusion or both) in 54% of patients. This was a cumulative side effect that generally occurred late in treatment.
Conclusion: Docetaxel administered at 100 mg/m2 intravenously every 3 weeks has significant activity against non-small-cell lung cancer, with a 33% major response rate. Primary toxicities were neutropenia, hypersensitivity, and fluid retention.