Dingjun Wang¹, Lei Shi¹ , Zhangan Yuan²

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy and safety of lentinan combined with docetaxel and nedaplatin (DN) in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis complicated by non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: A total of 100 patients diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis combined with NSCLC in Ankang People's Hospital, Ankang, China were randomized equally into study and control groups. Control group received standard anti-tuberculosis therapy and intravenous chemotherapy regimen based on docetaxel (75 mg/m² on day 1) and nedaplatin (80 – 100 mg/m²), while the study group received, in addition, lentinan (given intravenously every two days). The patients received a total of 2 courses of treatment. Tumor response, survival, adverse reactions, quality of life score, and pulmonary function indices were compared before and after treatment. Results: The study group showed significantly higher total response rate than the control group (p < 0.05). Median overall survival and progression-free survival in the study group was significantly higher than in the control group (p < 0.05). Also, the study group showed significantly lower incidence of adverse reactions compared to control group (p < 0.05). Quality of life score, maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) levels in the study group was significantly higher compared to control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Lentinan combination with DN chemotherapy regimen improves response rate, prolongs survival, reduces incidence of adverse reactions, improves quality of life and pulmonary function in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis complicated by NSCLC. These findings provide a new perspective for future studies on the application of lentinan in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis complicated by NSCLC.