Abstract

We report the long-term results of RTOG 9801, a randomized trial investigating the ability of amifostine, a radioprotector, to reduce chemoradiation-induced esophagitis.Patients with stages II and IIIA/B non-small-cell lung cancer received induction paclitaxel 225 mg/m2 intravenously (IV) and carboplatin area under the curve (AUC) 6 both days 1 and 22, followed by concurrent weekly paclitaxel (50 mg/m2) and carboplatin (AUC 2), with hyperfractionated radiation therapy (69.6 Gy at 1.2 Gy BID). Patients were randomly assigned to amifostine (AM) 500 mg IV four times per week or no-AM during chemoradiotherapy. Stratification factors included age (<70 vs. =70 years), stage and performance status.243 patients (pts) were enrolled; 120 received AM, 123 received no-AM. Two pts on each arm were found ineligible. Overall, 85% of patients were =70 years; 75% had a KPS =90. 34% had squamous histology. With median follow-up of 96.3 months (for patients still alive), overall survival was identical (hazard ratio 1.03 (0.79-1.34), NS): five-year survival 17% in both arms. The incidence of late grade 3-5 toxicities was 16% in the AM arm and 19% in the control arm (hazard ratio 1.24 (0.66-2.32), NS). There was no significant difference between the arms regarding overall survival, disease-free survival or long-term toxicity.The chemoradiation regimen of carboplatin and paclitaxel produced long-term results in the multi-institutional setting comparable to other regimens. Amifostine did not appear to compromise survival. As done in RTOG 9801, more consistent reporting of long term toxicity is needed for comparison of different chemoradiation regimens.

View details for DOI 10.1016/j.lungcan.2013.02.008

View details for Web of Science ID 000319637200011

View details for PubMedID 23477890

View details for PubMedCentralID PMC3646966