Abstract: AIM: To explore the differences of efficacy and side-effects in advanced stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with gemcitabine plus cisplatin or vinorelbine plus cisplatin.METHODS: Eligible patients were randomly assigned to GP(gemcitabine+cisplatin) grouPor NP(vinorelbine plus cisplatin)group.In GPgroup, 36 evaluable patients were treated with gemcitabine 1000 mg·m^-2IV on day 1 and 8 and cisplatin 75 mg·m^-2IV which was divided into 1 -3 days dosing, in a 21 days per cycle manner.In NPgroup, 30 evaluable patients were treated with vinorelbine 25 mg·m^-2IV on day 1 and 8 and cisplatin 80 mg·m^-2IV which was divided into 1 -3 days dosing, 21 days per cycle.All the patients at least received two cycles therapy.The response rate, median survival time (MST), l year survival, and side-effects were observed.RESULTS: The response rates were 41.6 % vs 36.7 %;MST were 10.3 months vs 9.6 months;1 year survival rate were 44.4 %vs 40.0 %(P=0.33) in GPgrouPand NPgroup, respectively.III-IV grade thrombocytopenia toxicity incurred significantly higher in GPgrouPthan in NPgroup, with the occurrence rate being 47.2 % vs 6.6 % (P<0.01).However, III-IV grade granulocytopenia was significantly less incurred in GPgrouPthan in NPgroup, 33.3 % vs 60.0 % (P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that GP(gemcitabine +cisplatin) regime and NP(vinorelbine plus cisplatin) regime are equivalent in treating advanced NSCLC, however they have few different toxicities.

Key words: non-small cell lung cancer, chemotherapy, gemcitabine, vinorelbine, cisplatin