Facebook Pixel
Q: 

after 35 tx's of radiation and 2 rounds of cisplatin/etopiside what are the benefits of docetaxil/cisplatin 1 x every three wks improve survival rate with stage 3a lung cancer

By July 4, 2010 - 12:08pm
 
Rate This

3a nsclc

Add a Comment2 Comments

Expert HERWriter Guide Blogger

Hi miki - It's nice to hear from you again.

I know from your earlier question that you're a nurse, so am curious as to why you've posted this question on our site. Are you looking for a second opinion or are you wanting to affirm what your oncologist has told you? Your best resource for the answer to your question is your oncologist as he/she has your complete medical history, your exact diagnosis, and knows how you have responded to the treatments you've already had.

In terms of the use of docetaxel (Taxotere) and cisplatin (Platinol) I can speak in general terms. The availability of the newer chemotherapeutic agents has led to response rates as high as 40% in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. These drugs have been shown to be active in combination drug regimens as well as when combined with radiotherapy.
You can learn more about this here:
http://chestjournal.chestpubs.org/content/117/4_suppl_1/138S.full

There are some good online resources you can use to investigate lung cancer treatments further on your own. The American Society of Clinical Oncology provides a large amount of clinical data, including the most recent clinical trial data from the recent ASCO conference in Chicago, and can be found at http://www.asco.org/ They also operate a consumer site where there is less clinical jargon and the information is easier to understand. That can be found at http://www.cancer.net/.

Let me know if this helps, Miki, and I hope that your treatment is going well.

Take care,
Pat

July 5, 2010 - 5:08pm

Hi Miki

I'm so sorry you are dealing with this diagnosis. My first inclination is to ask you if you have discussed this question with your oncologist, because that seems like the best idea to me. However, it is good to do your own research as well.

I don't want to leave you hanging, but I think our cancer specialist will have a better answer for you than I will, so I made Pat aware of your question and she will get back to you.

Thank you for your patience.

July 5, 2010 - 12:37pm
Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
By submitting this form, you agree to EmpowHER's terms of service and privacy policy
Add a Comment

All user-generated information on this site is the opinion of its author only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. Members and guests are responsible for their own posts and the potential consequences of those posts detailed in our Terms of Service.

Lung Cancer

Get Email Updates

Lung Cancer Guide

Guide

Have a question? We're here to help. Ask the Community.

ASK

Health Newsletter

Receive the latest and greatest in women's health and wellness from EmpowHER - for free!