Weekly paclitaxel as second/third-line treatment in advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients: efficacy and tolerability.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of weekly paclitaxel as second- or third-line treatment in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The outcome measured in 37 patients were: response rates, symptom relief (dyspnoea, asthenia and pain), toxicity, overall survival (OS) and time to progression (TTP). RESULTS: Objective response was seen in 8%, stable disease in 27% and disease progression in 62%. Three paclitaxel courses reduced the frequency of WHO grade 2-3 dyspnoea and asthenia from 38% and 43% to 13.5% and &1%, respectively. Moderate to severe pain (VAS score 3-8) was reduced from 35.1% to 24.3%. Median OS was 38 weeks and TTP 12 weeks. Haematological toxicity included anaemia (30% grade 2-3) and neutropenia (8% grade 3). Nonhaematological toxicity included peripheral neuropathy (41% grade 1-2). CONCLUSION: In the routine outpatient setting, weekly paclitaxel is feasible, active and well-tolerated as second/third-line chemotherapy in patients with advanced NSCLC.