Irinotecan as a Second-line Chemotherapy for Small Cell Lung Cancer: a Systemic Analysis

Purpose: This analysis was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of irinotecan based regimens assecond-line chemotherapy in treating patients with small cell lung cancer.
Methods: Clinical studies evaluatingthe efficacy and safety of irinotecan based regimens as second-line chemotherapy for patients with small celllung cancer were identified using a predefined search strategy. Pooled response rates (RRs) of treatment werecalculated.
Results: In irinotecan based regimens as second-line chemotherapy, 4 clinical studies which including155 patients with small cell lung cancer were considered eligible for inclusion. In all chemotherapy consistedof irinotecan with or without nedaplatin. Pooled analysis suggested that, in all patients, the pooled RR was27.1% (42/155) in irinotecan based regimens. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and myelosuppression were the mainside effects. No grade III or IV renal or liver toxicity was observed. No treatment related death occurred withthe irinotecan based treatments.
Conclusion: This systemic analysis suggests that irinotecan based regimens assecond-line chemotherapy are associated with mild response rate and acceptable toxicity for patients with smallcell lung cancer.