A Retrospective Analysis of Topotecan Treatment in Small Cell Lung Cancer

Authors : Alper Coşkun, Eyüp Çoban, Seda Sali, Süreyya Sarıhan, Ahmet Bilgehan Şahin, Adem Deligönül, Erdem Çubukçu, Türkkan Evrensel
Pages : 403-409
Doi:10.32708/uutfd.1742951
View : 83 | Download : 233
Publication Date : 2025-12-08
Article Type : Research Paper
Abstract :Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a subtype of lung cancer known to be associated with smoking and characterized by poor prognosis. Topotecan, a topoisomerase-1 inhibitor, is an important treatment options used in second-line and later settings for SCLC. This study aimed to present our clinical experience with topotecan in the treatment of SCLC patients. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 27 patients diagnosed with SCLC who received topotecan treatment between 1 January 2017 and 20 April 2022. The median age was 62 years (range, 37-75). In terms of best treatment response, one patient achieved a partial response, four had stable disease, while disease progression was observed in 22 patients. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 2.4 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.33-3.47) and a median overall survival (OS) of 3.73 months (95% CI, 1.41-6.05). Patients with liver metastases before topotecan treatment had significantly worse survival outcomes (PFS, Log Rank p=0.009; OS, Log Rank p=0.031). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, liver metastasis prior to treatment was identified as an independent risk factor for both PFS and OS. Treatment-related adverse events of any grade occurred in all patients. Although the results of our study should be interpreted with caution due to its single-center design and limited number of patients, this may be attributed to the use of a weekly topotecan regimen in the majority of patients (85.2%). Larger, multicenter studies are needed to improve survival outcomes and optimize treatment strategies in SCLC.
Keywords : akciğer, kanser, kemoterapi, küçük hücreli akciğer kanseri, topotekan

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