The aim was to evaluate the efficacy, toxicity and survival results of gemcitabine and carboplatin (GCa) combination in patients with advanced and locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
METHODS
Forty-one patients (40 males, 1 female; mean age 59; range
43 to 72 years) diagnosed histopathologically, with good performance
and without previous chemotherapy were included
in the study.
RESULTS
Complete response (CR) was observed in 2.4% and partial
response (PR) in 34.1%. CR and PR were found in 4.2% and
41.7% in stage IIIB, and in 0% and 23.5% in stage IV. The
mean survival and one-year survival rates were 14 months
and 54.2% in stage IIIB, and 10 months and 29.4% in stage
IV. In general, the mean survival and one-year survival rates
were 11 months and 43%. GCa most frequently caused grade-1 anemia (21.2%) in 165 chemotherapy cycles.
CONCLUSION GCa in advanced and locally advanced NSCLC is a well-tolerated, effective alternative with its moderate toxicity.
Keywords : Gemcitabine; carboplatin; non-small cell lung cancer; toxicity; survival