Addition of platinum compounds to a new agent in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: a literature based meta-analysis of randomised trials.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Single new agents reportedly produce promising response and survival effects, but platinum-based doublets remain the standard chemotherapy for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of platinum for advanced NSCLC by carrying out a meta-analysis of trials that compared platinum-based doublets with single new agent therapy alone.

METHODS:

We carried out a literature search to identify trials, conducted between 1994 and 2003, comparing a doublet of platinum plus a new agent with a new agent alone in previously untreated patients with advanced NSCLC. Outcomes analysed were response, survival and toxicity.

RESULTS:

Eight trials encompassing 2374 patients were identified. Platinum-based doublets produced an approximately two-fold higher overall (complete and partial) response rate than the new agent alone [odds ratio = 2.32; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.68-3.20]. Platinum-based doublet therapy was also associated with a 13% prolongation of survival (hazard ratio = 0.87; 95% CI = 0.80-0.94, P <0.001). Despite significant increases in the frequencies of various toxic effects in patients receiving platinum-based doublets, no significant difference in treatment-related mortality was observed.

CONCLUSION:

This is the first published meta-analysis demonstrating the importance of combining platinum with single new agents in the treatment of advanced NSCLC.

• Authors: K Hotta, K Matsuo, H Ueoka, K Kiura, M Tabata, M Tanimoto
• Journal: Annals of oncology : official journal of the European Society for Medical Oncology (Ann Oncol) Vol. 15 Issue 12 Pg. 1782-9 (Dec 2004) ISSN: 0923-7534 [Print] England
• PMID: 15550583 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis)

Chemical References

• Antineoplastic Agents
• Cisplatin

Topics

• Antineoplastic Agents (therapeutic use)
• Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols (administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung (drug therapy, pathology)
• Cisplatin (analogs & derivatives, therapeutic use)
• Clinical Trials as Topic
• Drug Administration Schedule
• Humans
• Lung Neoplasms (drug therapy, pathology)
• Survival Analysis