Gemcitabine and Vinorelbine for Elderly or Unfit Lung Cancer Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Beretta G D, Michetti G, Belometti M O, Gritti G, Quadri A, Poletti P, Labianca R
Primary Institution: Ospedali Riuniti, Bergamo, Italy
Hypothesis
The study aims to evaluate the feasibility and activity of gemcitabine plus vinorelbine in elderly and/or unfit patients with non-small cell lung cancer.
Conclusion
The combination of gemcitabine and vinorelbine is active and well tolerated in elderly or unfit patients with non-small cell lung cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- 15 patients (34.9%) achieved partial remission for a median duration of 6 months.
- The 1-year actuarial survival rate is 31.1%.
- Only 35% of the patients had grade 3 or 4 granulocytopenia on day 14.
- None experienced episodes of neutropenic fever.
- Only 9% of the patients suffered from gastrointestinal toxicity (grade 3).
Takeaway
This study tested a new treatment for older or weaker lung cancer patients and found it works well without causing too many side effects.
Methodology
A non-randomized phase II study where 43 patients received intravenous gemcitabine followed by vinorelbine every 21 days.
Participant Demographics
43 patients aged ≥ 65 years or with contraindications against cisplatin treatment (36 males and 7 females; median age 66 years).
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
27.6–42.2%
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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