Paclitaxel in the Treatment of Small-Cell Lung Cancer

ABSTRACT: New treatment strategies for small-cell lung cancer patients are required, as there have been few developments in the past 20 years. Paclitaxel (Taxol) has been shown to be effective in non–small-cell lung cancer when given in combination with a platinum agent or as single-agent chemotherapy. Early studies of paclitaxel in patients with small-cell lung cancer have also been encouraging. The activity of the paclitaxel/cisplatin (Platinol) combination is at least comparable to standard protocols, and when given in a regimen of paclitaxel at 175 mg/m² plus cisplatin at 75 mg/m²/day, clinical and hematologic toxicity is mild to moderate. Another study undertaken in Marburg, Germany, suggests that paclitaxel plus cisplatin produced significantly superior survival vs a historical control group. The addition of etoposide to the paclitaxel/cisplatin combination has also been tested, but no clear benefit has been shown. Encouraging data from existing small studies form the basis for large trials being planned to establish the optimal regimen incorporating paclitaxel in small-cell lung cancer patients. [ONCOLOGY 13(4):65-71, 1999]

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