Thorac Cancer. 2015 Nov;6(6):731-40. doi: 10.1111/1759-7714.12250. Epub 2015 May 12.

Evolution of induction chemotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer over the last 30 years: A surgical appraisal.

Fabre E1, Rivera C2, Mordant P2, Gibault L3, Dujon A4, Foucault C2, Le Pimpec-Barthes F2, Riquet M2.

Author information

• 1Department of Medical Oncology, Georges Pompidou European Hospital, University Descartes Paris, France.
• 2Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Georges Pompidou European Hospital, University Descartes Paris, France.
• 3Department of Pathology, Georges Pompidou European Hospital, University Descartes Paris, France.
• 4Department of Thoracic Surgery, Cedar Surgical Centre Bois Guillaume, France.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Induction chemotherapy (ICT) is supposed to reduce the risk of micrometastatic progression and improve resectability of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, best indications for ICT strategy remain unclear in published meta-analyses. Based on this observation, an evaluation of daily practice is of importance. Therefore, we reviewed indications and efficacy time trends in our 30-year series.

METHODS:

A database including all patients with NSCLC who underwent surgical resection in two French centers from 1980 to 2009 (n = 5563) was prospectively set and retrospectively reviewed. The indications, clinical and pathologic response rates, and overall survival of ICT patients (n = 732) were analyzed during three successive time-periods: P1 from 1980 to 1989, P2 from 1990 to 1999, and P3 from 2000 to 2009.

RESULTS:

The proportion of patients who benefited from ICT increased over time, from 2.8% (n = 35) in P1 to 12.5% (n = 274) in P2, and 20.2% (n = 423) in P3. Indications evolved over time with more N2 patients (n = 211; 49.8%) and less initially unresectable patients (n = 72; 17%) in P3. The clinical response rate between P1 and P2 increased. Five and 10-year survival rates of ICT patients were 35.2% and 21.5%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, time-period, age, type of resection, histology, and pathologic response to chemotherapy were significant prognostic factors.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our report on the off-trial use of induction therapy during the last 30 years demonstrates an increased use of ICT, a progressive focus on N2 disease, and improved response rates.