Phase II study of triplet chemotherapy using Tegafur-Uracil, Vinorelbine, Gemcitabine for advanced non-small cell lung cancer

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of triplet chemotherapy using tegafur-uracil (UFT), vinorelbine, and gemcitabine for patients with stage IIIB or IV non-small cell lung cancer.

Patients and methods: A total of 32 patients were enrolled in this study. The patients were subjected to a treatment regimen consisting of intravenous vinorelbine and gemcitabine on days 6 and 13, and oral UFT on days 1-5 and 8-12. This treatment was repeated every three weeks.

Results: All patients had an initial performance status of 0 to 1. The objective response rate was 21.9%, median survival time was 13.9 months, and the one-year survival rate was 56.7%. Grade 3/4 toxicities (% of patients) consisted of leukocytopenia (40.6%), neutropenia (56.3%), thrombocytopenia (3.1%), infection (9.4%), hypoxia (6.3%) and dyspnea (3.1%).

Conclusion: Triplet chemotherapy using UFT, vinorelbine, and gemcitabine was well-tolerated, with an acceptable toxicity profile. However, the response rate and median survival did not encourage for additional investigation.