Docetaxel and Doxorubicin with Radiotherapy in Lung Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Koukourakis M I, Romanidis K, Froudarakis M, Kyrgias G, Koukourakis G V, Retalis G, Bahlitzanakis N
Primary Institution: Democritus University of Thrace
Hypothesis
Can subcutaneous administration of amifostine reduce the toxicity of a highly aggressive chemo-radiotherapy scheme with Stealth® liposomal doxorubicin and Docetaxel in non-small cell lung cancer?
Conclusion
The subcutaneous administration of amifostine during high dose Taxotere®/Caelyx® chemo-radiotherapy is effective in reducing toxicity to levels expected from conventional radiotherapy.
Supporting Evidence
- Grade 3 esophagitis occurred in 36% of patients.
- The complete response rate was 40% in the highest dose level.
- Overall response rate was 87% in the highest dose level.
- No grade 2 neutropenia was observed.
- Subcutaneous amifostine reduced mucosal toxicity significantly.
Takeaway
This study tested a new way to give cancer treatment that helps patients feel better while still fighting the cancer. It showed that a special medicine can make the treatment less harsh.
Methodology
A phase I/II dose escalation trial with 25 patients receiving a combination of Docetaxel and Stealth® liposomal doxorubicin during radiotherapy, with subcutaneous amifostine for cytoprotection.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the lack of a control group and the open-label design of the trial.
Limitations
The study was limited to a small sample size and focused on short-term toxicity and response rates.
Participant Demographics
Patients with stage IIIb non-small cell lung cancer, histologically confirmed, with specific exclusion criteria.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.009
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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