Study of Gemcitabine and Cisplatin for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
Author Information
Author(s): van Haarst J M W, Baas P, Manegold C h, Schouwink J H, Burgers J A, de Bruin H G, Mooi W J, van Klaveren R J, de Jonge M J A, van Meerbeeck J P
Primary Institution: Rotterdam Oncological Thoracic Studygroup (ROTS), Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital Rotterdam
Hypothesis
The study aims to investigate the efficacy and toxicity of a gemcitabine and cisplatin combination in selected and chemo-naive patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma.
Conclusion
The trial found a 16% response rate and manageable toxicity, suggesting that this combination therapy cannot be recommended as standard treatment for malignant pleural mesothelioma.
Supporting Evidence
- The study included 32 eligible patients from four institutes.
- Four partial responses were observed among 25 evaluable patients.
- The median survival from diagnosis was 14.6 months.
Takeaway
Doctors tested a combination of two medicines to see if they could help patients with a tough lung cancer, but only a few patients got better.
Methodology
Patients received gemcitabine and cisplatin in a 3-week cycle, with evaluations for response and toxicity according to WHO and NCIC-CTC criteria.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and a low compliance rate for quality of life assessments beyond two cycles.
Participant Demographics
Patients aged 18 to 75 with histologically confirmed malignant pleural mesothelioma and no prior chemotherapy.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1–31%
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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