[Docetaxel (taxotere): current status of clinical development in non-small-cell bronchial carcinoma (NSCLC)].

BACKGROUND: Docetaxel (Taxotere) as a "stabilizing antitubulin" has in the last few years gained the reputation of being one of the most effective cytotoxic drugs in the therapy of NSCLC. Up until now it has primarily been used in clinical studies for both single agent- and combination chemotherapy being tested in a variety of different treatment regimens not only for advanced disease but also for early stage NSCLC. RESULTS OF STUDIES: Clinical investigations of Docetaxel in NSCLC continue and currently focus upon randomized studies, new combination chemotherapy regimens, its simultaneous use in combination with radiotherapy as well as trials within multi-modality treatment concepts. The preliminary results of these studies underline the importance of Docetaxel for NSCLC and confirm the positive results stemming from previous single agent- and combination therapy investigations.