First-line carboplatin/etoposide results in similar survival rates and less subsequent hospital care than cisplatin/etoposide in elderly people with extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer treated in ambulatory settings, according to an analysis involving nearly 3,700 individuals.

Participants were diagnosed between 1995 and 2009. Among those treated with first-line chemotherapy, 831 received cisplatin/etoposide and 2,846 received carboplatin/etoposide. Among the results:

• Survival was nearly identical in the 2 groups: ~36 weeks in each.

• 6-month mortality rate was also very similar: 35% for cisplatin/etoposide and 34% for carboplatin/etoposide.

• Those taking carboplatin/etoposide were less likely to be admitted to a hospital (80% vs 86%), and also had fewer number of hospitalizations, ED visits, and ICU stays.

Citation: Hatfield L, Huskamp H, Lamont E. Survival and toxicity after cisplatin plus etoposide versus carboplatin plus etoposide for extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer in elderly patients. [Published online ahead of print June 28, 2016]. J Oncol Pract. doi:10.1200/JOP.2016.012492.