The Comparison of Toxicities between Paclitaxel-Carboplatin Regimen versus Gemcitabine-Carboplatin Regimen as Palliative Chemotherapy for Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Abstract

Introduction: Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) is a serious condition characterized by the spread of cancer beyond the lungs, commonly adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Palliative chemotherapy is used to manage advanced NSCLC, focusing on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life rather than curing the disease. Paclitaxel-Carboplatin and Gemcitabine-Carboplatin are commonly used regimens for palliative chemotherapy in advanced NSCLC. Comparing the toxicities of these two regimens is important to determine which one has fewer side effects for patients. Aim of the Study: The aim of the study was to compare the toxicities of Paclitaxel-Carboplatin and Gemcitabine -Carboplatin as palliative chemotherapy for Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Methods: This Quasi- Experimental study was conducted at the Department of Medical Oncology, Combined Military Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, the National Institute of Cancer Research & Hospital (NICRH), Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh, and the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Shahbagh, Dhaka, Bangladesh. The study duration was 10 months, from January 2022 to October 2022. During this period, a total of 74 participants were divided into two equal groups, Arm-A receiving the Paclitaxel-Carboplatin treatment regimen, and Arm-B receiving the Gemcitabine- Carboplatin treatment regimen. Result: The majority of participants in both Arm-A and Arm-B were in the age group of 51-60 years (40.54% in Arm-A, 43.24% in Arm-B) with an overall mean age of 58.35 years in Arm-A and 57.54 years in Arm-B. An overall male prevalence was observed, with 78.38% of participants in Arm-A and 70.27% in Arm-B being male. The majority of participants had an ECOG status of 1 (45.95% in Arm-A, 59.46% in Arm-B). Risk factors such as smoking and various lung diseases were present among participants, but there was no significant difference between the two arms. After 6 weeks of follow-up, 62.16% of Arm-A and 56.76% of ...