Sequencing of single-agent (SA) docetaxel (T) and gemcitabine (G) therapy for patients (pts) with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): Results of three consecutive randomized trials

7035 Background: Standard doublet chemotherapy (DCT) is often clinically inappropriate. Since T and G show efficacy and favourable toxicity as SAs in 1st- and 2nd-line setting, sequencing of T and G may be an equally effective alternative to DCT for palliation. Three studies (S1-S3) were conducted: two to identify an optimal SA-sequence (S1/S2), and one to compare sequential SA to a platin-free doublet (S3). Methods: Common eligibility criteria included histologically confirmed stage IIIB or IV, performance status (PS) 0–2, and no prior chemotherapy. S1/S2 examined treatment feasibility (TF) of G or T with introduction of the opposite agent in case of progression. TF was defined as pt ability to receive ≥2 cycles (cyc) of 1st-line and if progressive ≥2 cyc of 2nd-line therapy and to survive ≥7 months (mos). In S1, G 1000 mg/m2 and T 35 mg/m2 was given on days (d) 1, 8, 15 (q4w) and in S2, G 1250 mg/m2 (d 1, 8) and T 100 mg/m2 (d 1; q3w). In S3, pts received G 1000 mg/m2 (d 1, 8) and T 75 mg/m2 (d 1; q3w) ...