Pemetrexed and gemcitabine versus carboplatin and gemcitabine in non-small cell lung cancer: a randomized noninferiority phase II study in one center.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The standard treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) stages IIIb and IV is a platinum compound combined with a third-generation cytotoxic agent. We decided to conduct a phase II study to assess whether the platinum compound could be replaced with pemetrexed with similar results and without an increase in side effects.

Methods

Consecutive eligible patients were randomized to either the standard arm of gemcitabine plus carboplatin (GC) or the experimental arm of gemcitabine plus pemetrexed (GP).

Results

Fifty evaluable patients were enrolled in the GC arm, and 44 received GP. There were 10 partial responses in the GC arm and 16 in the GP arm. With GC, mean survival was 9 months compared with 15 months with GP. The side effects were similar in both gr

SUBMITTER: Branden E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4391757 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature