Publication:

A comparative study on concurrent chemoradiation using cisplatin versus carboplatin in the management of locoregionally advanced non-small cell lung cancer

Background Concurrent chemoradiation is considered the standard care for locoregionally advanced non-small cell lung cancer. This study aimed to compare the treatment response, progression free survival and treatment toxicities between cisplatin and carboplatin based concurrent chemoradiation.

Methods Between October 2015 and September 2017, 60 eligible patients were enrolled and divided into two arms of 30 patients each. Arm A received EBRT to chest (60Gy/30 fractions) with concurrent weekly Injection Cisplatin 35mg/m2. Arm B received EBRT to chest (60Gy/30 fractions) with concurrent weekly Injection Carboplatin at a dose of AUC-2. Early treatment response was assessed at 1 month and late treatment response at 6 months after completion of radiation using RECIST criteria. Treatment toxicities was assessed using RTOG toxicity criteria. All statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS version 21.

Results Most patients were in the age range of 61-70 years. Mean age of presentation was 67.53±11.038 years in Arm A and 66.03±12.794 years in Arm B. Median follow up was 16 months for both arms. Response rate of was slightly better in Arm A (73.3% versus 60%). 1 year PFS rate was 53.33% in Arm A and 36.67% in Arm B. Median time to progression was better in Arm A (11 months vs 10 months). Toxicities were almost comparable in both the arms.

Conclusions Use of carboplatin in combination with radiation therapy is comparable to cisplatin in terms of treatment outcomes with better compliance and lower toxicity.