A phase I and pharmacokinetic study of amphethinile

Amphethinile is a new spindle poison with a novel structure that has shown activity in the L1210, ADJ/PC6 and Walker carcinoma rodent tumours. In addition the agent appeared to have an improved therapeutic ratio compared to existing spindle poisons and is well absorbed when administered orally. The starting dose for the phase I study was 40 mg m-2 (1/10th mouse LD10) and further patients were studied at 200, 400, 800 and 1200 mg m-2, dose escalation being based on pharmacological monitoring. Significant toxic effects were seen only at 800 and 1200 mg m-2. At these doses patients experienced nausea and vomiting, light headedness during the infusion and varying degrees of lethargy following therapy. Two of six patients at 800 mg m-2 developed severe pain in the tumour bearing area 1-2 h after treatment and one experienced colicky abdominal pain. At 1200 mg m-2 two patients died within 48 h of treatment from what appeared to be vascular causes. Following these episodes the trial was discontinued. Neutropenia and alopecia occurred in two patients, one at 800 and one at 1200 mg m-2. These patients achieved the highest drug exposure in terms of area under the concentration x time curve. It was not possible to achieve an AUC consistently high enough to produce cytotoxic effects due to the occurrence of dose limiting toxicities thus amphethinile cannot at present be recommended for phase II testing by the i.v. route. The dose escalation scheme based on pharmacological monitoring resulted in a considerable saving in the duration of the trial. Further evaluation of this methodology is recommended.     

Phase I clinical and pharmacokinetic study of oxaliplatin, irinotecan and capecitabine

Purpose  To determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) of the combination of weekly oxaliplatin × 4, weekly irinotecan × 4 and capecitabine Monday through Friday for 4 weeks of every 6 week cycle in patients with solid tumors; to determine the pharmacokinetic profile of these agents in this combination; to observe patients for clinical anti-tumor response. Methods  Twenty-two patients with metastatic solid tumors received oxaliplatin 60 mg/m² weekly × 4, irinotecan beginning at a dose of 40 mg/m² weekly × 4, and capecitabine Monday through Friday for 4 weeks of every 6 week cycle, initially at 1,000 mg twice daily (bid). Results  The MTD was oxaliplatin 60 mg/m² weekly × 4, irinotecan 50 mg/m² weekly × 4 and capecitabine 450 mg bid Monday through Friday for 4 weeks of every 6 week cycle. One of six patients at this dose level developed DLT of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Among patients treated with a constant capecitabine dose of 450 mg bid, there was a higher mean AUC of 5-FU in women than in men (mean ± SD: 892 ± 287 nM h vs. 537 ± 182 nM h; Mann–Whitney two-tailed, P = 0.02). There was one complete response in a patient with gastric cancer. Conclusion  The novel schedule of weekly oxaliplatin, weekly irinotecan, and capecitabine Monday through Friday, all administered for 4 weeks of every 6 week cycle, evaluated in this phase I trial is well-tolerated and demonstrated activity in a patient with gastric cancer. Supported in part by NIH grants U01 CA62502, M01-RR-00080, K12 CA76917 (SSK), P30 CA43703, U01-CA099168-01 and P30CA47904. Published in part in: Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2004 ASCO Annual Meeting Proceedings (Post-Meeting Edition). Vol 22, No 14S (July 15 Supplement), 2004: 2111.     

A phase I and pharmacokinetic study of weekly oxaliplatin followed by paclitaxel in patients with solid tumors.

PURPOSE: Oxaliplatin and paclitaxel are widely used in treating solid tumors. We designed a phase I study with the purpose of determining the maximal tolerated dose and pharmacokinetic properties of weekly oxaliplatin followed by paclitaxel based on evidence suggesting that weekly administration of both drugs allows equivalent dose intensity with less neurotoxicity. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Twenty-three patients with advanced solid tumors were treated. Starting doses were 35 mg/m2 oxaliplatin followed by 45 mg/m2 paclitaxel weekly for 4 weeks every 6 weeks. Dose was escalated as follows: 45 mg/m2 oxaliplatin and 45 mg/m2 paclitaxel, 60 mg/m2 oxaliplatin and 45 mg/m2 paclitaxel, and 60 mg/m2 oxaliplatin and 60 mg/m2 paclitaxel. Pharmacokinetic studies were evaluated during the first course of therapy for oxaliplatin using population kinetics approach. RESULTS: A total of 49 courses were administered. The dose-limiting toxicity was peripheral neuropathy with oxaliplatin and paclitaxel both at 60 mg/m2. There were three partial responses. There was evidence of pharmacokinetic interaction with a significant amount of total platinum (46.2-49.5%/24 h) eliminated in the urine in this group of patients, consistent with published data from others. The total body clearance values of plasma platinum and ultrafiltrable platinum were higher in this combination compared with corresponding values from our previous study with oxaliplatin only (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The recommended phase II dose of this combination is 60 mg/m2 oxaliplatin followed by 45 mg/m2 paclitaxel. Evidence of antitumor activity and acceptable toxicity with this combination and schedule warrants further investigation. We have obtained more definitive pharmacokinetic properties of oxaliplatin and confirmed its drug interaction with paclitaxel in the current sequence.     

A pediatric phase I and pharmacokinetic study of spirohydantoin mustard

A pediatric Phase I and pharmacokinetic study of the lipophilic alkylating agent spirohydantoin mustard (SHM) was conducted in 23 patients. The dose-limiting toxicity of SHM was neurological with disorientation, delirium, or hallucinations occurring in 9 of 23 patients. These symptoms were partially reversible and preventable with physostigmine. In 17 patients who were evaluable for response to treatment (14 of whom had central nervous system malignancies), no objective tumor responses were observed. Pharmacokinetic evaluation of SHM revealed a t1/2 alpha of 1.7 +/- 0.7 min, t1/2 beta of 16 +/- 8.3 min, and total body clearance of 2134 +/- 735 ml/min/m2. Measureable peak plasma levels were less than 40% of that which produces cytotoxicity in vitro against monolayer cultures of rat 9L brain tumor. Over 90% of SHM was protein bound, greatly limiting the free drug available for central nervous system penetration. SHM cerebrospinal fluid to plasma ratios were less than 0.047. The above suggests that in spite of its lipophilicity, SHM may not reach clinically significant levels in the central nervous system at clinically tolerable doses.     

A phase 1 and pharmacokinetic study of gemcitabine and oxaliplatin in patients with solid tumors

Purpose: This dose escalation study aimed to determine the recommended doses, toxicity and pharmacokinetics of oxaliplatin and gemcitabine given on days 1 and 8 every 21 days. This schedule may maximize dose intensity of both drugs with acceptable or reduced toxicity. Patient and methods: Eligible patients had solid malignancies, no more than two prior courses of chemotherapy, ECOG performance status 0–2, neurotoxicity ≤ NCI-CTC grade 1 and adequate organ function. Dose escalation commenced at oxaliplatin 40 mg/m² and gemcitabine 750 mg/m², both given on days 1 and 8 every 21 days, and reached oxaliplatin 80 mg/m² and gemcitabine 1,500 mg/m². The two highest dose levels were each expanded to six patients to gain additional toxicity data. Results: There were no dose limiting toxicities related to treatment and an MTD was not reached. Five patients (24%) had grade 3 neutropenia, without associated infection, and seven patients (33%) had grade 3/4 thrombocytopenia. Neurotoxicity was mild and no worse than grade 1. Two patients with mesothelioma (10%) had partial responses and 11 patients (52%) had disease stabilization. No pharmacokinetic interaction between oxaliplatin and gemcitabine was detected. Dose intensity was maximal at level 4 (oxaliplatin 70 mg/m² and gemcitabine 1,250 mg/m²). Conclusions: This schedule allows oxaliplatin and gemcitabine to be delivered at the full dose intensity of each drug with excellent tolerability and predictable pharmacokinetics. The recommended doses for phase II studies are oxaliplatin 70 mg/m² and gemcitabine 1,250 mg/m² on days 1 and 8 every 21 days.     

A phase I and pharmacokinetic study of intraperitoneal topotecan.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility and pharmacology of intraperitoneal (IP) topotecan. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients with recurrent ovarian cancer in a phase I trial were treated with escalating IP topotecan doses (5-30 mg/m(2)) for pharmacokinetic analysis. RESULTS: Dose limiting toxicity (DLT) was acute hypotension, chills and fever at the 30 mg/m(2) dose level. Haematological toxicity and abdominal pain were mild for all dose levels studied. PHARMACOKINETICS: Peak plasma levels of total topotecan were reached at 2.7 +/- 1.1 h after IP instillation. The apparent V(ss) was 69.9 +/- 25.4 L/m(2), plasma clearance 13.4 +/- 2.5 L/h/m(2) and plasma T1/2 3.7 +/- 1.3 h. The plasma AUC was correlated with the dose (R = 0.95, P < 0.01). The plasma AUC ratio of lactone versus total topotecan (lactone + carboxy-forms) increased with the dose from 16% to 55%, (R = 0.84, P < 0.01). Peritoneal total topotecan was cleared from the peritoneal cavity at 0.4 +/- 0.3 L/h.m(2) with a T1/2 = 2.7 +/- 1.7 h. The mean peritoneal/plasma AUC ratio for total topotecan was 54 +/- 34. CONCLUSION: A substantial dose of topotecan can be delivered by the IP route, achieving cytotoxic plasma levels of topotecan, with acceptable toxicity. The recommended dose for further phase II trials is 20 mg/m(2) IP, which enables combination with active doses of other cytotoxic drugs, in view of its limited myelotoxicity when given by this route.     

A phase I and pharmacokinetic study of BAY59: a novel taxane

PURPOSE: To determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), the dose limiting toxicities (DLT) and the pharmacokinetics of BAY59, a novel taxane given as a 1-hour intravenous infusion every 3 weeks in patients with advanced refractory solid tumors. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Initially, 15 patients with previously treated (median of 4 prior chemotherapy regimens) refractory cancers, but with normal marrow, hepatic and renal function were treated with BAY59 at doses of 15, 30, 50, 75 and 100 mg/m2 using a standard dose escalation design. Subsequently, 11 patients were treated, 5 at 90 mg/m2 and 6 who had had prior oxaliplatin at 75 mg/m2. RESULTS: At 75 mg/m2, grade 4 neutropenia was noted in 2/6 patients, of whom 1 had grade 4 neutropenia lasting more than 5 days (DLT). At 100 mg/m2, 2/2 patients had febrile neutropenia, with 1 fatality. At 90 mg/m2, 2/5 patients had DLTs, including grade 3 neuropathy, severe lower extremity pain, dehydration and grade 4 neutropenia. The MTD was determined to be 75 mg/m2. A cohort of 6 patients, previously exposed to oxaliplatin, were enrolled at the MTD to evaluate the incidence of neurotoxicity. While DLTs (grade 3 arthralgia, grade 4 neutropenia) were noted in 3/6 patients, there was no increase in the incidence of neurotoxicity. There were no responses. Pharmacokinetics of BAY59 was linear over the doses studied, with a median terminal half-life of 21 h. CONCLUSIONS: The recommended phase II dose for BAY59 is 75 mg/m2.     

A phase I clinical and pharmacokinetic study of the angiogenesis inhibitor, tecogalan sodium

BACKGROUND:: Tecogalan sodium is an angiogenesis inhibitor isolated froma sulfated polysaccharide produced by the bacterium Arthrobacter.The antiangiogenic effect of tecogalan sodium is thought tobe mediated by the inhibition of binding of basic fibroblastgrowth factor to cellular receptors. PATIENTS AND METHODS:: A phase I study was conducted in thirty-three patients withrefractory malignancies, including AIDS-associated Kaposi'ssarcoma Patients received a single i.v. infusion every threeweeks with the infusion duration ranging from one to twenty-fourhours. Seven different dosage levels were studied (125, 185,240, 300, 390, 445, and 500 mg/m²). RESULTS:: The primary dose-limiting toxicity was prolongation of the activatedpartial thromboplastin time with peak retimes being between1.0–4.0 times the upper limit of normal. This toxicitywas ameliorated at a given dose level by prolonging the infusiontime. Other common toxicities included fever (40%) and rigors(31%) which were well controlled with acetaminophen and meperidine.The serum half-life of tecogalan sodium was between 1–1.5hours and <25% of unchanged drug was excreted in the urine. CONCLUSIONS:: The recommended phase II dose of tecogalan sodium on this scheduleis 390 mg/m² over 24 hours. Other schedules including continuousadministration should be investigated to maximize the efficacyof this novel angiogenesis inhibitor. angiogenesis inhibitors, investigational agents, sulfated polysaccharides     

A phase I and pharmacokinetic study of intraperitoneal carboplatin and etoposide.

BACKGROUND: We attempted to determine the maximum tolerated dose and toxicity of etoposide (VP-16) when administered in combination with carboplatin (CBDCA) (300 mg m-2) and administered via the intraperitoneal (IP) route. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A total of 26 patients were treated on this trial. CBDCA was administered at a fixed dose of 300 mg m-2) while VP-16 was started at a dose of 200 mg m-2 and escalated at 50 mg m-2 increments. Both agents were mixed together in 2 litres of 5% Dextrose and administered as quickly as possible into the peritoneal cavity. Pharmacokinetic studies were performed at the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). RESULTS: The MTD for this regimen was CBDCA 300 mg m-2 and VP-16 350 mg m-2. Patients > or = 70 years of age or who had received more than six cycles of previous chemotherapy, tolerated this regimen poorly. The MTD for this group of patients was CBDCA 200 mg m-2 and VP-16 50 mg m-2. Neutropenia was the dose limiting toxicity for both groups. The mean peritoneal/plasma peak ratio was 18.3 for CBDCA and 12.7 for VP-16. The pharmacologic advantage (peritoneal/plasma AUC ratio) was 14.9 for CBDCA and 8.8 for VP-16. Although measurable disease was not a requirement for entrance into this study a response rate of 27% was noted in 15 patients with evaluable disease who had ovarian cancer. CONCLUSIONS: A pharmacologic advantage exists for both CBDCA and VP-16 when administered together via the IP route.     

A phase I and pharmacokinetic study of MAG-CPT,a water-soluble polymer conjugate of camptothecin

Polymeric drug conjugates are a new and experimental class of drug delivery systems with pharmacokinetic promises. The antineoplastic drug camptothecin was linked to a water-soluble polymeric backbone (MAG-CPT) and administrated as a 30 min infusion over 3 consecutive days every 4 weeks to patients with malignant solid tumours. The objectives of our study were to determine the maximal tolerated dose, the dose-limiting toxicities, and the plasma and urine pharmacokinetics of MAG-CPT, and to document anti-tumour activity. The starting dose was 17 mg m(-2) day(-1). Sixteen patients received 39 courses at seven dose levels. Maximal tolerated dose was at 68 mg m(-2) day(-1) and dose-limiting toxicities consisted of cumulative bladder toxicity. MAG-CPT and free camptothecin were accumulated during days 1-3 and considerable amounts of MAG-CPT could still be retrieved in plasma and urine after 4-5 weeks. The half-lives of bound and free camptothecin were equal indicating that the kinetics of free camptothecin were release rate dependent. In summary, the pharmacokinetics of camptothecin were dramatically changed, showing controlled prolonged exposure of camptothecin. Haematological toxicity was relatively mild, but serious bladder toxicity was encountered which is typical for camptothecin and was found dose limiting.     

A phase I and pharmacokinetic study of diamminecyclobutane-dicarboxylatoplatinum (NSC 241240)

Carboplatin (CBDCA; NSC 241240) is a second-generation platinum coordination compound which in preclinical testing was found to be less nephrotoxic and emetogenic than cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (CDDP), while retaining a broad spectrum of antitumor activity. We have conducted a Phase I trial of CBDCA in 38 patients with advanced carcinoma. The drug was given without hydration as a 24-hr constant i.v. infusion on Day 1 of a 28-day cycle. Seventy-five cycles of CBDCA were administered in eight dose levels ranging from 20 to 320 mg/sq m. Dose-limiting toxicity was myelosuppression, primarily thrombocytopenia, occurring between Days 14 and 28 of the cycle. Myelosuppression was first observed at a dose of 240 mg/sq m and became dose-limiting at 320 mg/sq m, which is the recommended dose for Phase II trial. Other toxicities included nausea and vomiting and reversible renal failure seen in two patients with low normal pretreatment creatinine clearances. No consistent changes were seen on serial audiograms. Plasma concentrations of total and ultrafilterable platinum were measured by flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Following cessation of the infusion, a half-life of 170 +/- 34 min (S.D.) was found for CBDCA-derived ultrafilterable platinum. In vitro clonogenic assay of a CDDP-sensitive human ovarian cancer cell line using clinically achievable drug concentrations suggests that prolonged infusions of CBDCA may be more cytotoxic than bolus administration. In this study, minimal responses were seen in two patients with ovarian carcinoma who had failed previous combination chemotherapy including CDDP. In addition, three patients with refractory metastatic breast cancer responded to CBDCA (two minimal responses and one partial response) with remission durations averaging 3 months. CBDCA behaves as predicted by preclinical studies with different toxicities from CDDP and apparent activity in breast cancer.     

Pediatric phase I trial and pharmacokinetic study of trimetrexate

Trimetrexate, a new nonclassical antifolate, was evaluated in a phase I trial in children with refractory cancer including nine with acute leukemia and 21 with solid tumors. The drug was administered as an i.v. bolus injection weekly for three doses, and courses were repeated every 28 days. The dose ranged from 35 to 145 mg/m2. Thirty patients who received a total of 33 courses were evaluable for toxicity, including 19 who were evaluable for hematological toxicity. The maximally tolerated dose for patients with a solid tumor and leukemia was 110 mg/m2. The dose-limiting toxicities were myelosuppression, mucositis and a pruritic, diffuse maculopapular rash. Other side effects observed included transient, mild elevations of serum transaminases, mild nausea and vomiting, and a local phlebitis at the site of injection at higher dose levels. A single patient with delayed drug clearance had evidence of renal toxicity with a transient increase in serum creatinine. The pharmacokinetics of trimetrexate were studied in 25 patients over the entire dose range. There was considerable interpatient variability in total drug clearance (range 9.2 to 215 ml/min/m2) and half-life (2.1 to 20 h). There was a suggestion of a correlation between plasma concentration at 24 h and the development of hematological toxicity at the highest dose level. Trimetrexate was cleared primarily by biotransformation with renal clearance accounting for only 10% of total clearance. Two metabolites of trimetrexate which inhibit the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase were identified in the urine. One of these appears to be a glucuronide conjugate.     

A phase I pharmacokinetic study of 21-day continuous infusion mitoxantrone

A phase I study of mitoxantrone given as a continuous infusion for 21 days using a venous access port and a portable pump was performed. The first dose step was 0.3 mg/m2/d for 21 days. Courses were repeated every 6 weeks. Dose increment per step was 0.1 mg/m2/d in the first three dose steps and 0.2 mg/m2/d in the latter dose steps. Twenty-five patients entered the study and received a total of 50 courses, with a median of two courses (range, one to five). Up to 0.5 mg/m2/d, no toxicity (according to the World Health Organization [WHO] criteria) occurred. At 0.7 mg/m2/d, one patient experienced grade 2 leukocytopenia and at the 0.9 mg/m2/d dose step, one patient experienced grade 2 leukocytopenia, grade 1 thrombocytopenia, and grade 1 hair loss. At 1.1 mg/m2/d, two of six patients had grade 3 leukocytopenia, and in one patient treatment was discontinued after two days because of myocardial infarction. In both patients receiving 1.3 mg/m2/d, treatment was discontinued after 2 weeks because of grade 3 leukocytopenia. Three patients at the 1.1 mg/m2/d, dose step and two patients at the 1.3 mg/m2/d dose step experienced some nausea in the last week of the infusion period. One patient developed subclavian vein thrombosis. No infectious complications occurred. Pharmacokinetic studies were performed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with ultraviolet (UV) detection. Plasma steady-state was reached after 35 hours. During steady-state there was a linear relationship between the mitoxantrone dose administered and the level of mitoxantrone in plasma (r = .93, P less than .005). The mitoxantrone level in leukocytes increased significantly during the infusion period at the 0.9 mg/m2, the 1.1 mg/m2, and the 1.3 mg/m2 dose steps. The area under the curve (AUC) in leukocytes was higher with continuous infusion of 1.1 mg/m2/d for 21 days compared with bolus injection of 12 mg/m2. Mitoxantrone could be detected in plasma for at least five days after the end of the 21-day infusion period and in leukocytes for at least 14 days. Continuous infusion mitoxantrone may increase intracellular drug uptake as expressed by intracellular AUC. We recommend a dose of 1.1 mg/m2/d for 3 weeks for evaluation of antitumor efficacy in phase II studies.     

A phase I and pharmacokinetic study of NK105, a paclitaxel-incorporating micellar nanoparticle formulation

This phase I study was designed to examine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), the dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs), the recommended dose (RD) for phase II, and the pharmacokinetics of NK105, a new polymeric micelle carrier system for paclitaxel (PTX). NK105 was administered as a 1-h intravenous infusion every 3 weeks, without antiallergic premedication. The starting dose was 10 mg m(-2), and the dose was escalated according to the accelerated titration method. Nineteen patients were recruited. The tumour types treated included pancreatic (n=11), bile duct (n=5), gastric (n=2), and colonic (n=1) cancers. Neutropenia was the most common haematological toxicity. A grade 3 fever developed in one patient given 180 mg m(-2). No other grades 3 or 4 nonhaematological toxicities, including neuropathy, was observed during the entire study period. DLTs occurred in two patients given 180 mg m(-2) (grade 4 neutropenia lasting for more than 5 days). Thus, this dose was designated as the MTD. Grade 2 hypersensitivity reactions developed in only one patient given 180 mg m(-2). A partial response was observed in one patient with pancreatic cancer. The maximum concentration (C(max)) and area under the concentration (AUC) of NK105 were dose dependent. The plasma AUC of NK105 at 150 mg m(-2) was approximately 15-fold higher than that of the conventional PTX formulation. NK105 was well tolerated, and the RD for the phase II study was determined to be 150 mg m(-2) every 3 weeks. The results of this phase I study warrant further clinical evaluation.     

A phase I and pharmacokinetic study of OSI-7904L, a liposomal thymidylate synthase inhibitor in combination with oxaliplatin in patients with advanced colorectal cancer

Purpose OSI-7904L is a liposomal formulation of a potent thymidylate synthase (TS) inhibitor. This phase I study evaluated the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics (PK) of OSI-7904L administered in combination with oxaliplatin every 21 days in patients with advanced colorectal carcinoma. Method A 3+3 study design was utilized at predefined dose levels. Polymorphisms in the TS enhancer region and XPD enzyme were investigated as potential predictors of efficacy and toxicity. Results Fourteen patients received 76 cycles of treatment. At the highest dose level (OSI-7904L 9 mg/m², oxaliplatin 130 mg/m²) investigated, one of nine patients experienced dose-limiting toxicity of grade 3 oral mucositis with cycle 1 and five further patients required dose reductions. The toxicity profile of stomatitis, diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, sensory neuropathy and skin rash was consistent with that expected for a TS inhibitor/oxaliplatin combination regimen. PK analysis showed high interpatient variability with no detectable interaction between OSI-7904L and oxaliplatin. Partial radiological responses were documented in two patients. Conclusions The recommended regimen for further investigation is OSI-7904L 9 mg/m² and oxaliplatin 130 mg/m².