Chemotherapy related toxicity in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer

• Published in: Journal of cancer research and therapeutics Vol. 2; no. 1; p. 14
• Main Author: Bahl Amit, Sharma DN, Julka PK, Rath GK
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: India Medknow Publications on behalf of the Association of Radiation Oncologists of India (AROI) 01-01-2006; Medknow Publications and Media Pvt. Ltd
• Subjects: Antimitotic agents; Antineoplastic agents; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols - adverse effects; Cancer; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung - drug therapy; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung - pathology; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung - radiotherapy; Chemotherapy; Cisplatin - administration & dosage; Combined Modality Therapy; Etoposide - administration & dosage; Female; Health aspects; Humans; Lung cancer, chemotherapy, toxicity; Lung cancer, Non-small cell; Lung Neoplasms - drug therapy; Lung Neoplasms - pathology; Lung Neoplasms - radiotherapy; Male; Middle Aged; Neoadjuvant Therapy - adverse effects; Radiotherapy; Respiratory tract diseases
• ISSN: 0973-1482; 1998-4138
• DOI: 10.4103/0973-1482.19767

Background: For inoperable non-small cell lung cancer combined
chemotherapy and radiotherapy plays an important role as a therapeutic
modality. The aim of the present study was to analyze neoadjuvant
chemotherapy related acute toxicity in locally advanced lung cancer
(stage IIIA and IIIB) in Indian patients using Cisplatin and Etoposide
combination chemotherapy. Material and methods: Forty patients of
locally advanced Non small cell lung cancer received three cycles
neoadjuvant chemotherapy using Injection Cisplatin and Etoposide. The
patients were taken for Radical radiotherapy to a dose of 60 Gray over
30 fractions in conventional fractionation after completing
chemotherapy. Chemotherapy associated toxicity was assessed using
common toxicity criteria (CTC v2.0) Results: Forty patients were
available for final evaluation. Median age of presentation of patients
was fifty-six years. Thirteen patients had Non small cell lung cancer
stage IIIA while twenty-seven patients had Stage IIIB disease. Anemia
was the most common hematological toxicity observed (seen in 81% of
patients). Nausea and vomiting were the most common non -hematological
toxicity seen. Sensory neuropathy was seen in 38%of patients. 88%
patients developed alopecia. Seven patients developed febrile
neutropenias. Conclusion: Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy using Cisplatin
and Etoposide continues to be a basic regimen in the Indian set up
despite availability of higher molecules, since it is cost effective,
well tolerated and therapeutically effective. Blood transfusions,
growth factors and supportive care can be used effectively to over come
toxicity associated with this regimen.