Meta-analysis of published efficacy and safety data for docetaxel in second-line treatment of patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer

Purpose To gain a better understanding of the impact of dose and other prognostic factors on safety and efficacy of docetaxel in second-line non-small-cell lung cancer patients. Methods A model-based meta‐analysis (MBMA) of a published docetaxel monotherapy data in 6085 second‐line non-small-cell lung cancer patients from 46 trials was conducted. Results The logit of grade 3/4 neutropenia incidence was a linear function of dose, with a 5 % increase in the odds of neutropenia per mg/m 2 increase in dose [odds ratio (OR) 1.05, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.04–1.06], and a Japanese study effect (OR 17.1, 95 % CI 6.05–48.4). The logit of overall response rate (ORR) was a linear function of cumulative dose (0.4 % increase in the odds of response per mg/m 2 increase; OR 1.004, 95 % CI 1.001–1.008) and median population age (OR 1.08 per year, 95 % CI 1.02–1.15). A Japanese study effect was identified for overall survival (OS) in addition to prognostic factors identified by a previous meta-analysis. Conclusions This current MBMA identified docetaxel dose–response relationships for both neutropenia and ORR, an effect of age on ORR, and Japanese study effects on both neutropenia and OS.