BACKGROUND: In phase II trials gemicitabine proved to be an active agent in NSCLC, producing a clinical benefit, often higher than response rate. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We assessed the impact of gemcitabine treatment on response rate and quality of life in 21 untreated elderly patients (aged > 70 years) with NSCLC. Gemcitabine (1250 mg/sm) was administered days 1-8 every 21 days. Response and toxicity were analyzed according to WHO criteria. The assessment of quality of life was performed by analysing a disease symptom related questionnaire completed by the patient. RESULTS: All the patients were evaluable: we found 7 PR (33%), 5 SD (24%) and 9 PD; the median duration of response was 24 weeks; the median overall survival 32 weeks; WHO grade 2 leukopenia (in 4 patients) and thrombocytopenia (grade 3 in 1 patient and grade 2 in two patients) were the main toxic effects. A clinical benefit was demonstrated in all 12 patients with PR or SD and in 3 patients with PD. CONCLUSIONS: These data confirm that gemcitabine is a well tolerated and active therapeutic approach in elderly non small cell lung cancer patients.
BACKGROUND: In phase II trials gemicitabine proved to be an active agent in NSCLC, producing a clinical benefit, often higher than response rate. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We assessed the impact of gemcitabine treatment on response rate and quality of life in 21 untreated elderly patients (aged > 70 years) with NSCLC. Gemcitabine (1250 mg/sm) was administered days 1-8 every 21 days. Response and toxicity were analyzed according to WHO criteria. The assessment of quality of life was performed by analysing a disease symptom related questionnaire completed by the patient. RESULTS: All the patients were evaluable: we found 7 PR (33%), 5 SD (24%) and 9 PD; the median duration of response was 24 weeks; the median overall survival 32 weeks; WHO grade 2 leukopenia (in 4 patients) and thrombocytopenia (grade 3 in 1 patient and grade 2 in two patients) were the main toxic effects. A clinical benefit was demonstrated in all 12 patients with PR or SD and in 3 patients with PD. CONCLUSIONS: These data confirm that gemcitabine is a well tolerated and active therapeutic approach in elderly non small cell lung cancerpatients.
Authors: A Nacci; N Calvani; P Rizzo; P Fedele; L Orlando; P Schiavone; M Cinefra; A Marino; F Sponziello; M D'Amico; S Cinieri Journal: Med Oncol Date: 2013-01-16 Impact factor: 3.064
Authors: P Comella; G Frasci; P Carnicelli; B Massidda; F Buzzi; G Filippelli; L Maiorino; M Guida; N Panza; S Mancarella; R Cioffi Journal: Br J Cancer Date: 2004-08-02 Impact factor: 7.640