ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the clinical efficacy and side effects of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated by combined gemcitabine and cisplatin.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty-six patients with locally advanced (Stage IIIB) or metastatic (Stage IV) NSCLC were alloted to the study. The patients received gemcitabine 1 000 mg/m(2) on D 1, 8, and cisplatin 80 mg on D 1 approximately 3 in the 21-day cycle.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>An objective response was obtained in 46% (21/46) of patients (1 CR and 21 PR), whereas 19 patients had stable disease and 6 patients showed progressive disease. The response rate was 58.3% in untreated patients and 31.8% was obtained in treated ones. Significant difference was observed between the two groups (P < 0.05). The main toxicities were leukopenia and thrombocytopenia.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The combination of gemcitabine and cisplatin, being feasible and well-tolerated, should be taken as an energetic scheme in the treatment of advanced NSCLC.</p>