Lung Cancer Drug Combo Shows Promise Improving Quality of Life

Quality of life measures during a clinical trial for Abraxane and carboplatin showed positive results for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

The results came from the phase 3 ABOUND.sgm clinical study that enrolled 159 patients who were administered four 21-day cycles of Abraxane (100 mg/m2 on days 1, 8 and 15) plus carboplatin (AUC6 on day 1).

Patients with a response or a stable disease were randomized to be administered Abraxane (100 mg/m2 on days 1, 8) and best supportive care or 21-day cycles of only best supportive care, until the disease progresses.

The 2 analyses were evaluated for the therapeutic impact of chemotherapy and the impact of radiological response on quality of life.

Quality of life was measured by LCSS (Global score, average total score, 3-item index, average symptom burden index, and lung cancer symptoms) and EuroQoL EQ-5D-5L. Patients were assessed with these measures on the first day of each cycle during initial treatment.

The results of the analysis showed that the impact of chemotherapy on patients was maintained or improved during the entire treatment course.

The results of the second analysis that looked at the impact of the radiological response on quality of life showed that 93 out of 159 patients had an unconfirmed radiological response, while 66 out of 159 patients did not. However there was a larger improvement in symptom scores for patients with lung cancer.

Prior to treatment, patients who reported issues with self-care, normal everyday activities, mobility, pain or discomfort, or anxiety and depression no longer had these issues at least once during treatment.

Those who had a radiological response had a more pronounced resolution, with 42% to 59% having full resolution at least once.

"Inclusion of quality of life measures is particularly important when so few prospective trials in advanced non-small cell lung cancer currently include such analyses," said lead analysis investigator, Corey Langer. "These data demonstrate a correlation between radiologic response and patient reported quality of life."

The most common adverse reactions (≥20%) of Abraxane and carboplatin are anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, alopecia, peripheral neuropathy, nausea, and fatigue.

The most common adverse reactions that resulted in dose reduction, withholding, or delay of Abraxane were neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia.