Histology-based combination induction chemotherapy for elderly patients with clinical stage III non-small cell lung cancer

Aim: To explore the feasibility and activity of a histology-based induction combination chemotherapy for elderly patients with clinical stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients and Methods: Patients aged 70 years with stage IIIA and IIIB lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) or adenocarcinoma were treated with three cycles of carboplatin and gemcitabine or pemetrexed, respectively, followed by definitive radiotherapy or surgery. The primary endpoint was the overall response rate (ORR) following induction. Results: Twenty-seven patients, with a median age of 74 years (range=70-80 years) were treated for adenocarcinoma in 14 (52%) and SCC in 13 (48%), clinical stage IIIA in eight (30%) and IIIB in 19 (70%). Grade 3 or 4 toxicity was reported for five patients (18.5%). The ORR was 46% in 12 (partial responses) out of 26 assessable patientS. Conclusion: Histology-based induction combination chemotherapy is active and feasible in elderly patients with stage III NSCLC.