Chemotherapy, monoclonal antibody therapy combo safe, effective in NSCLC

2008 Chicago Multidisciplinary Symposium on Thoracic Oncology

The combination of carboplatin, paclitaxel, cetuximab and bevacizumab to treat patients with advanced non–small cell lung cancer did not cause safety concerns and improved survival, according to the results of SWOG:S0536.

“Based on this early phase-2 study, the combination of the four drugs carboplatin, paclitaxel, cetuximab and bevacizumab is safe,” said Edward Kim, MD, assistant professor in the department of thoracic/head and neck medical oncology at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. “We saw impressive efficacy. In fact, these are the highest efficacy numbers we have seen for response, PFS and OS when compared to prior SWOG lung experiences.”

Kim presented the results at a press conference during the 2008 Chicago Multidisciplinary Symposium on Thoracic Oncology.

One hundred ten chemotherapy-naive patients with stage IIIb or IV non-squamous cell NSCLC were enrolled in the trial and 99 were evaluable for toxicity. Patients were assigned to a combination of carboplatin, paclitaxel, cetuximab (Erbitux, ImClone) and bevacizumab (Avastin, Genentech) followed by additional maintenance cetuximab and bevacizumab. The primary endpoint was feasibility based on hemorrhagic safety profile; secondary endpoints included response rate, PFS, OS and toxicity.

Researchers reported four treatment-related deaths: two due to lung hemorrhage, one for unknown reasons and one due to infection. Two percent of patients experienced grade-4 or worse hemorrhage (95% CI, 0%-7%).

Forty-eight patients (53%; 95% CI, 37%-59%) had a partial response; 22 (24%) had stable disease. PFS survival was seven months; OS was 14 months; and nine patients remain on treatment. – by Leah Lawrence

For more information:

Kim ES. #9. Presented at: 2008 Chicago Multidisciplinary Symposium on Thoracic Oncology; Sept 13-15, 2008; Chicago.