Abstract
Research to identify the optimal drugs for use in chemoradiotherapy has led to the development of the potent radiosensitizing agent gemcitabine (Gemzar), which has exhibited excellent activity in non-small-cell cancer. When used in sequential chemoradiotherapy regimens, gemcitabine has been associated with response rates of 57% to 68%. A full dose of gemcitabine (1,000 mg/m2) can be safely used as induction therapy, and there is no definitive indication of enhancement of radiotoxicity. In addition, results from phase I/II trials support the efficacy of concurrent gemcitabine/radiation therapy in improving overall response rates and overall survival. Rates of 68%, 37%, and 28%, respectively, for 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival have been reported for gemcitabine/cisplatin chemotherapy administered concurrently with radiotherapy. Although the optimal dose has yet to be determined, a weekly dose of 300 mg/m2 appears to be effective with an acceptable toxicity level. Additional clinical trials are warranted to assess the long-term efficacy and safety of gemcitabine in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents and radiation therapy for treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 38-42 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Oncology (Williston Park, N.Y.) |
| Volume | 18 |
| Issue number | 8 Suppl 5 |
| State | Published - Jul 2004 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Oncology
- Cancer Research