Lung cancer is the most frequently occurring cancer worldwide among men. Women as well are more and more affected by this tumor disease. The aim of the study presented is to compare the efficacy and tolerability of the combination of the cytostatika Paclitaxel and Carboplatin when applied weekly vs. every three weeks for the treatment of patients suffering from an advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. The evaluation is based on a data taken from 320 patients. The demographic data between the groups are well balanced. The response rate, the median survival, the progression free survival and the haematological toxicity did not differ significantly from each other. Concerning neurotoxicity, the difference has, however, been statistically significant. In the group of weekly therapy 49% of the patients showed a damage of the nervous system while in the group receiving therapy only every three weeks 67 % were affected (p=0,0005). The study shows that both therapy groups are comparable with respect to responding to the treatment and survival. Concerning the side effects, however, a weekly application might be more favourable to patients with pre-existing neuropathy. |