Gemcitabine and Vinorelbine with Radiotherapy for Lung Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Gagel Bernd, Piroth Marc, Pinkawa Michael, Reinartz Patrick, Krohn Thomas, Kaiser Hans J, Stanzel Sven, Breuer Christian, Asadpour Branka, Schmachtenberg Axel, Eble Michael J
Primary Institution: RWTH Aachen University
Hypothesis
What is the maximum tolerated dose of gemcitabine when combined with radiotherapy for treating locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer?
Conclusion
The study found that a regimen of gemcitabine at 500 mg/m2 every two weeks during thoracic radiotherapy is effective and tolerable for treating non-small cell lung cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- The maximum tolerated dose of gemcitabine was determined to be 500 mg/m2.
- The overall response rate after therapy was 64%.
- Median overall survival was 19.9 months for all eligible patients.
- Median disease-free survival was 8.7 months.
Takeaway
Doctors tested a new treatment for lung cancer using a medicine called gemcitabine along with radiation, and they found a safe dose that works well.
Methodology
The study involved 33 patients with non-small cell lung cancer who received gemcitabine and vinorelbine followed by concurrent radiotherapy, with dose escalation to determine the maximum tolerated dose.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the single-institution study design and the lack of a control group.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and was limited to a specific patient population with unresectable lung cancer.
Participant Demographics
Patients were primarily older adults with a mean age of 58 years, including both males and females.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
[10.1; 29.7]
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website