Use of docetaxel and carboplatin for patients with non-small-cell lung cancer

Docetaxel (Taxotere) and carboplatin (Paraplatin) have each demonstrated significant activity in non-small-cell lung cancer. The taxanes have favorable interactions with platinum compounds, both in vivo and in vitro. Thus, we combined docetaxel and carboplatin in a phase I trial to establish the maximum tolerated doses (MTD) and toxicity profile. Results from the phase I trial in patients with nonhematologic solid tumors indicate that this combination is well tolerated. The MTD of docetaxel in combination with carboplatin (target area under the curve, 6 mg/mL · min) is 90 mg/m ² without granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF, filgrastim [Neupogen]) support and 100 mg/m ² with G-CSF support. Based on the preliminary results of the phase I study, the combination of docetaxel and carboplatin is presently being evaluated in a phase H study in patients with advanced non- small-cell lung cancer.