Topoisomerase I-based nonplatinum combinations in non-small-cell lung cancer.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in males and females in the United States. Most patients have advanced disease at diagnosis. Chemotherapy is the treatment of choice for patients with good performance status. Progress in the management ofpatients with advanced disease has been slow, and platinum-based combinations result in a small survival benefit. The topoisomerase I inhibitors are active as single agents and in combination with platinums in non-small-cell lung cancer. Nonplatinum-based doublet combinations are beginning to be explored in an attempt to reduce toxicity and improve efficacy. Data available on some of the nonplatinum doublets that include topoisomerase I inhibitors suggest that these regimens provide efficacy equal to that achieved with platinum-based doublets. This article reviews the topoisomerase I-inhibitor nonplatinum combinations in the management of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer.