Docetaxel-based induction therapy prior to radiotherapy with or without docetaxel for non-small-cell lung cancer

This trial aimed to assess the feasibility and tumour control of concurrent chemoradiotherapy or radiotherapy alone after docetaxel-based induction chemotherapy in locally advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients with stage IIIA/IIIB NSCLC received two 21-day cycles of induction chemotherapy with docetaxel (85 mg m(−2), day 1) plus cisplatin (40 mg m(−2), days 1 and 2). Patients without disease progression on day 43 were randomised to radiotherapy (2 Gy for 5 days week(−1); total 60 Gy) alone or with docetaxel 20 mg m(−2) once weekly every 6 weeks. Of 108 patients who received induction chemotherapy, 104 were evaluable for response. After induction chemotherapy, the overall response rate (ORR) was 44%; 91 (88%) patients had no disease progression and 89 were subsequently randomised to local treatment. After randomised therapy, the ORR was 53% (chemoradiotherapy 58%; radiotherapy 48%). Median survival and time to progression were 14.9 and 7.8 months, respectively, for chemoradiotherapy and 14.0 and 7.5 months, respectively, for radiotherapy. The most common toxicities during induction chemotherapy and randomised therapy were grades 3–4 neutropenia and grade 3 lymphocytopenia, respectively. Docetaxel–cisplatin induction therapy followed by concurrent docetaxel and thoracic radiotherapy is a feasible treatment option, showing good clinical activity and tolerability, for locally advanced NSCLC.