To evaluate the efficacy and safety of myeloid growth factors in patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer treated with combined modality therapy (CMT).

Patients with stage IIIA/B non-small cell lung cancer, performance status 0 to 1, and forced expiratory volume in 1 second > or =1.5, received cisplatin 75 mg/m(2) on day 1 + etoposide 80 mg/m(2) on days 1 to 3 every 3 weeks for 2 cycles concurrent with thoracic radiotherapy to 61 Gy. filgrastim 5 mcg/kg/d was administered for 10 days beginning on day 4 of each chemotherapy cycle. Patients without progression received docetaxel 75 mg/m(2) every 21 days for 3 cycles with peg-filgrastim 6 mg on day 2. The primary end point was a 50% reduction in the incidence of grade (3/4) neutropenia compared with historical controls.

A total of 26 eligible patients were enrolled. Median age was 67, 76% were men, and 58% had stage IIIA. Gr3/4 neutropenia during CMT was 19.2% and 3.8%, respectively. There were no episodes of febrile neutropenia. Gr4 thrombocytopenia was 15.4% with 2 patients requiring transfusions. Gr3 esophagitis was noted in 7.7% and Gr (3/4) pneumonitis in 21.6% of patients. No patients died of treatment-related toxicities. Dose reductions/delays occurred in 3.8% of patients during CMT. Median progression-free survival and median survival were 10.7 and 27.6 months, respectively. The 1- and 2-year survival rates were 61.5% and 46.2%, respectively.

Our data suggest that the addition of filgrastim to CMT is safe and effective. The rate of grade (3/4) toxicities, including febrile neutropenia, compares favorably to previous trials using a similar regimen. Dose intensity is maintained. This strategy merits further evaluation.