carboplatin + gemcitabine + paclitaxel (University of Saskatchewan)

This clinical trial protocol, developed by the University of Saskatchewan, evaluates an alternating chemotherapy regimen for the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The protocol involves alternating cycles of two platinum-based doublets: carboplatin plus gemcitabine and carboplatin plus paclitaxel. Carboplatin is a platinum-based alkylating agent that induces DNA cross-linking, thereby inhibiting DNA replication. Gemcitabine is a pyrimidine antimetabolite that inhibits DNA synthesis by acting as a false substrate for DNA polymerase and inhibiting ribonucleoside reductase. Paclitaxel is a taxane that stabilizes microtubules, preventing their disassembly and thus arresting the cell cycle during mitosis. This alternating strategy was designed to maximize antitumor efficacy while potentially mitigating cumulative toxicities and overcoming drug resistance through collateral sensitivity between the agents.

Brand names

TaxolParaplatinGemzar

Other names

carboplatin/gemcitabine alternating with carboplatin/paclitaxelcarboplatin/gemcitabine/paclitaxel alternating regimen