Platinum-Based Chemotherapy Regimens for Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Summary

A Cochrane review [Abstract] 1 included 32 studies comparing platinum and non-platinum chemotherapy regimens in the treatment of small cell lung cancer (SCLC), with a total of 6 075 subjects. The duration of studies ranged from 12 to 72 months (median 32 months), and the median age of patients in the vast majority of studies was between 60 and 65 years of age. Co-intervention with radiotherapy occurred in approximately 72% of studies. Eighteen studies presented data on extensive-stage disease, 9 studies presented data on limited-stage disease, and 11 did not present data based on the disease stage. There was no statistically significant difference between treatment groups in terms of survival at 6 months, 12 months and 24 months. There was also no statistically significant difference in terms of overall tumour response. However, platinum-based treatment regimens did have a significantly higher rate of complete response. Platinum-based chemotherapy regimens had significantly higher rates of nausea and vomiting, and thrombocytopenia toxicity.