back
|
 |
Single Agent Gemzar® or Vinorelbine Appropriate Treatment Options for
Treatment of Some Elderly with NSCLC
Yahoo
News, July 15, 2003
According to a recent
article published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, the use
of either Gemzar® (gemcitabine) or Navelbine® (vinorelbine) alone may be
just as effective with fewer side effects than the combination of these
two agents for some patients over 70 years of age with advanced non-small
cell lung cancer. However, it is important for patients to discuss all
treatment options with their physician, as existing medical conditions and
overall patient health may affect treatment decisions.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States.
Lung cancer is characterized by the cell type from which is arose, such as
non small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Stages IIIB and IV (metastatic) NSCLC
refers to cancer that has spread from the lung to several and/or distant
sites in the body. Standard treatment for advanced NSCLC involves
chemotherapy. Researchers have been comparing several different
combinations of chemotherapy in the treatment of NSCLC to determine
optimal regimens. Until recently, many elderly patients with metastatic
NSCLC were treated only with supportive care. It is estimated that only
20% of elderly patients with advanced lung cancer ever receive
chemotherapy. Previous studies, however, have suggested that palliative
chemotherapy in this group of patients achieves results comparable with
those achieved in their younger counterparts. As a generality, combination
chemotherapy offers better palliation for patients with locally advan! ced
or metastatic NSCLC than do single agents. However, the situation is less
clear for patients older than age 70 years due to co-existing medical
conditions or age-related reduction in organ function.
Researchers from Italy recently conducted a clinical trial called the
Multicenter Italian Lung Cancer in the Elderly Study (MILES) to compare
treatment with single agent chemotherapy agents Gemzar and Navelbine to
the combination of these agents in patients with stage IIIB or stage IV
NSCLC. Patients in this trial were 70 years of age or older and were
randomly selected to receive initial treatment with Gemzar alone,
Navelbine alone or the combination of Gemzar plus Navelbine. An average of
3 organs were affected by cancer in these patients and 60% of patients had
pre-existing heart conditions. Six months following therapy,
progression-free survival was approximately 30% for all groups of
patients. Overall estimated survival at one year following therapy was 38%
for patients treated with Navelbine, 28% for patients treated with Gemzar
and 30% for patients treated with Navelbine plus Gemzar. There were more
reported side effects in the group of patients treated with Gemzar ! or
Navelbine alone, compared to patients treated with the combination.
These researchers concluded that single agent Gemzar or Navelbine are
appropriate treatment options for patients with advanced NSCLC over the
age of 70 years. However, they stress that drug side effects, co-existing
medical complications or age-related organ function and patient preference
all need to be considered when deciding upon a treatment option. In
addition, the researchers suggest that depending upon the chemotherapy
agents being used, some combination chemotherapy treatments provide
superior results to single agents. Clinical trials for advanced NSCLC are
ongoing to compare various chemotherapy agents alone or in combination.
Patients with advanced NSCLC over the age of 70 with concomitant medical
conditions may wish to speak with their physician about the risks and
benefits of single-agent Gemzar or Navelbine or the participation in a
clinical trial evaluating other novel therapeutic options.
Source: 411Cancer.com "Cancer Experts leading the way to optimal
cancer care."
Copyright
© 2002 Global Action on Aging
Terms of Use | Privacy
Policy | Contact Us
|
