Last reviewed 2026-04-23 · How we verify

Docetaxel/Cisplatin control

This combination uses docetaxel (a microtubule-stabilizing taxane) and cisplatin (a platinum-based DNA-damaging agent) to inhibit cell division and induce apoptosis in lung cancer cells.

This combination uses docetaxel (a microtubule-stabilizing taxane) and cisplatin (a platinum-based DNA-damaging agent) to inhibit cell division and induce apoptosis in lung cancer cells. Used for Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), advanced or metastatic.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Docetaxel stabilizes microtubules and prevents their disassembly, disrupting mitotic spindle formation and cell division. Cisplatin forms DNA cross-links, causing DNA damage and triggering apoptosis. Together, these agents provide synergistic cytotoxic activity against rapidly dividing cancer cells. This is a control arm in a phase 3 trial, likely comparing against a newer regimen or immunotherapy combination.

Approved indications

• Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), advanced or metastatic

Common side effects

• Neutropenia
• Anemia
• Thrombocytopenia
• Nausea/vomiting
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Nephrotoxicity
• Ototoxicity
• Alopecia

Key clinical trials

• Surgery With or Without Neoadjuvant Treatment of SBRT Plus Chemoimmunotherapy in Resectable Locally Advanced Oral and HPV-unrelated Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (PHASE3)
• Neoadjuvant Treatment of Toripalimab Combined With Nab-paclitaxel and Platinum Versus Neoadjuvant Docetaxel Combined With Cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (DCF) in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (PHASE3)
• Toripalimab Combined With Platinum-based Chemotherapy With or Without H1 Receptor Antagonist in the Perioperative Treatment of Resectable Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (PHASE2)
• The Management of Metastatic Neck Nodes in N2/3 Hypopharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (NA)
• Study of Chemotherapy With Cisplatin/Carboplatin, and Docetaxel With or Without Erlotinib in Patients With Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas Amenable for Surgical Resection (PHASE2)
• A Study of ASP-1929 Photoimmunotherapy in Combination With Pembrolizumab in First-line Treatment of Locoregional Recurrent Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck With No Distant Metastases (PHASE3)
• Secondary Cytoreductive Surgery After Chemotherapy for Recurrent Epithelial Ovarian Cancer (PHASE2)
• Phase III Study Evaluating Induction Chemotherapy Followed by Chemoradiotherapy Compared to Standard Chemoradiotherapy for Locally Advanced SCCA (PHASE3)

Primary sources

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