RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Results of an observational study on docetaxel-based therapy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with focus on symptom control and therapy response, are reported. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 233 patients with NSCLC treated with docetaxel-containing therapy were analyzed. RESULTS: The pre-existing symptoms of cough, dyspnea and pain markedly improved after three cycles of docetaxel-based therapy. Regression of symptoms was strongly associated with therapy response, but unexpectedly, patients with stable disease had also a substantial benefit. Alltogether, the response after three cycles was complete in 0.9% and partial in 26.6% of patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: Symptom control was achieved in the majority of cases, which received three cycles of docetaxel-based therapy. Thus, a clinical benefit was regularly reached shortly after initiation of chemotherapy.