Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma: The Emerging Role of Docetaxel

Byline: Corey J. Langer (1) Keywords: NSCLC; docetaxel; systemic therapy; combined modality Abstract: The treatment of advanced non-small cell lung carcinoma(NSCLC) has improved greatly over the past decade. With theadvent of new agents, in particular taxanes, gemcitabine, vinorelbine,and topoisomerase I inhibitors, response rates have improved from15--20% to 25--35%, with commensurate improvement in median and one year survival rates to 8--10 months and 35--45%, respectively. These improvements have proven statistically significant in multiple studies [1--4]. Docetaxel, either alone or in combination with platinols, hasshown particular promise and, in some arenas, it has become a standard component of our therapeutic armamentarium. We will review the preclinical data and single agent activity of docetaxel in treatment-naive and previously treated NSCLC patients, its activityin combination with cisplatin and carboplatin, as well as othernew agents, and finally focus on ongoing studies evaluating itsrole in locally advanced disease. Author Affiliation: (1) Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA Article History: Registration Date: 05/10/2004