Outcome of Etoposide Carboplatin versus etoposide cisplatin in the treatment of extensive stage small cell lung cancer: a Quasi Experimental study

Introduction: Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) represents 15% of lung cancers, typically presenting in the central airways and rapidly metastasizing. It is closely linked to smoking, with various factors affecting survival, including tumor size, metastasis, and age. Chemotherapy, particularly platinum-based regimens like Cisplatin-Etoposide (EP), is the standard treatment, though its toxicities limit its use. Etoposide-Carboplatin offers a less toxic alternative, especially for elderly patients. This study compares the efficacy and toxicity of Etoposide-Carboplatin versus Etoposide-Cisplatin in Extensive-Stage SCLC patients in Bangladesh. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted at BSMMU and NICR&H in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Seventy patients with extensive-stage SCLC were enrolled, receiving either Etoposide-Carboplatin (ARM A) or Etoposide-Cisplatin (ARM B). Sample size calculation was based on toxicity rates, yielding 35 patients per arm. Treatment response was evaluated using RECIST criteria, and hematological and non-hematological toxicities were assessed. Results: Treatment responses showed no significant difference between arms, with partial response observed in 65.7% (ARM A) and 77.1% (ARM B) after 3 cycles (p=0.136). Toxicities were more prominent in ARM A, particularly in leucopenia and nausea/vomiting. Statistically significant differences were found in leucopenia (p=0.0158), with more severe cases in ARM B. No significant differences were observed in neuropathy, hypersensitivity, or kidney injury. Conclusion: Both Etoposide-Carboplatin and Etoposide-Cisplatin regimens demonstrate comparable efficacy in treating Extensive-Stage SCLC. However, Etoposide-Cisplatin was associated with fewer toxicities, particularly in terms of hematological and gastrointestinal side effects. These findings suggest that Etoposide-Cisplatin may be preferable for certain patient populations, particularly those at risk for chemotherapy-related toxicities.