Journal List > J Lung Cancer > v.8(1) > 1050710

Jeong, Jung, Lee, Kang, Choi, Ahn, Hwang, Oh, Choi, Sheen, and Park: Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy with Weekly Paclitaxel for Locally Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Abstract

Purpose

Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) is the standard treatment for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Paclitaxel is an active agent against NSCLC and it has a radiosensitizing effect. We investigated the efficacy and toxicity of weekly paclitaxel administration along with concurrent radiotherapy for treating locally advanced and locally recurrent NSCLC.

Materials and Methods

Twenty-five previously untreated stage III or locally recurrent NSCLC patients received weekly paclitaxel (60 mg/m2) and concurrent radiotherapy. Chemotherapy was given on days 1, 8, 15 and 22. Concurrent radiotherapy at 1.5 Gy was given twice a day to a total dose of 54 Gy in 3.5 weeks. After the completion of CCRT, consolidation chemotherapy was delivered if possible.

Results

The overall response rate was 72% with one complete response and 17 partial responses. The median overall survival was 16 months with a 2 year survival rate and a 5 year survival rate of 38% and 24%, respectively. The rate of grade ≥3 radiation pneumonitis was 16% (4 patients) and 2 patients were died from the pneumonitis. The rate of grade 3 radiation esophagitis was 12% (3 patients) and the hematologic toxicities were not significant.

Conclusion

Weekly paclitaxel with concurrent radiotherapy is effective for treating locally advanced and locally recurrent NSCLC, but radiation pneumonitis is the major toxicity and this is potentially fatal.

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Figures and Tables

Fig. 1.
Overall survival and progression-free survival.
jlc-8-8f1.tif
Fig. 2.
(A) Overall survival of locally advanced and locally recurrent NSCLC patients. (B) Progression-free survival of locally advanced and locally recurrent NSCLC patients. NSCLC: non-small cell lung cancer.
jlc-8-8f2.tif
Table 1.
Patient Characteristics
Characteristic No. of patients (%)
Age (median) 62
Gender  
 Male 20 (80)
 Female 5 (20)
Histologic type  
 Squamous 11 (44)
 Adeno 7 (28)
 Others 7 (28)
Performance (ECOG)  
 0 1 (4)
 1 23 (92)
 2 1 (4)
Weight loss (≥5% in 6 months)  
 Yes 6 (24)
 No 19 (76)
Stage  
 IIIA 3 (12)
 IIIB 14 (56)
 Locally recurrent 8 (32)
Consolidation chemotherapy  
 Yes 6 (24)
 No 19 (76)
Table 2.
Response of Treatment
Response No. (%)
Overall response 18 (72)
 Complete response 1 (4)
 Partial response 17 (68)
 Stable disease 2 (8)
 Progressive disease 5 (20)
Table 3.
Toxicities
Toxicity Total (%) Grade 3/4 (%)
Hematologic    
 Neutropenia 12 (48) 1 (4)
 Anemia 7 (28) 0 (0)
 Thrombocytopenia 2 (8) 1 (4)
Non-hematologic      
 Esophagitis 11 (44) 3 (12)
 Pneumonitis 14 (56) 4 (16)
 Nausea 3 (12) 1 (4)
 Diarrhea 1 (4) 1 (4)
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