Phase II trial of vinorelbine tartrate in patients with treatment-naive metastatic melanoma

Metastatic melanoma carries a dismal prognosis and there is a need to develop new treatment strategies. Vinca alkaloids have shown consistent activity in melanoma patients, as monotherapy and as part of combination regimens. The current study evaluates the clinical activity and tolerability of vinorelbine as first-line monotherapy in patients with metastatic melanoma. Patients were eligible if they presented metastatic melanoma not amenable to curative resection, had received no prior systemic therapy for advanced disease and had an adequate performance status (ECOG 0-1). Patients received vinorelbine at a dose of 30 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle, on an outpatient basis. Thirteen patients were accrued into the study and received 64 cycles. All patients were assessable for response, toxicity and survival. No objective responses were documented, for an overall response rate of 0% [95% confidence interval (CI) 0-19%] and the trial was terminated in accordance to the predetermined early discontinuation rule. The median progression-free survival was 3.3 months (95% CI 2.3-4.3 months) and the estimated median overall survival was 8.1 months (95% CI 6.0-10.2 months). No life-threatening toxicities occurred. Neutropenia was the main hematologic toxicity, but none of the three episodes of grade 3-4 neutropenia were complicated by infection. The most common non-hematologic toxicities were asthenia, nausea, neuropathy and myalgia. We conclude that vinorelbine as a single agent on days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle has a favorable toxicity profile, but appears to have no relevant clinical activity in patients with metastatic melanoma.     

Phase II study of gemcitabine and cisplatin in chemonaive patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer

This phase II study evaluated the activity of gemcitabine (Gemzar) plus cisplatin (Platinol) as first-line treatment of advanced epithelial ovarian cancer. Forty-two chemonaive patients with advanced (stage III and IV) epithelial ovarian cancer received gemcitabine 1,250 mg/m(2) on days 1 and 8 and cisplatin 100 mg/m(2) on day 1, every 3 weeks, up to eight cycles. The median number of cycles completed was 5 (range 2-8). Of the 41 patients evaluable for tumor response, 20 had a partial response and nine had a complete response, for an overall clinical and pathologic response rate of 70.7% (95% CI 56.8-84.6%). Median overall survival for all 42 patients was 23.4 months (95% CI 15.9-29.9 months) and the median progression-free survival time was 10.4 months (95% CI 9.4-13.5 months). The combination was generally manageable. Hematologic toxicity (grade 3/4 neutropenia: 31.0/21.4%; grade 3/4 thrombocytopenia: 9.5/4.8%; grade 3/4 anemia: 11.9/0%) and nausea and vomiting (grade 3/4: 35.7/31.0%) were the most common toxicities. There was one toxic death (septic shock due to hematologic toxicity-induced infection). We conclude that gemcitabine plus cisplatin is active and feasible as first-line treatment of advanced epithelial ovarian cancer. Further clinical trials with the addition of gemcitabine to first-line treatment appear warranted.     

GS方案一线化疗后序贯替吉奥治疗晚期胰腺癌的临床观察

目的 比较晚期胰腺癌一线GS方案化疗后疾病得到控制者序贯替吉奥（S-1）单药治疗的疗效和对生存期的影响。方法 32例患者经一线GS（吉西他滨＋替吉奥）方案化疗4周期后,获得疾病控制的晚期胰腺癌患者,随机（1∶1）分为序贯S-1组（S-1组）和随访观察组（观察组）。每治疗2周期后评价疗效,观察无进展生存时间（PFS）、总生存时间（OS）及不良反应。结果 32例患者均可评价疗效。S-1组共接受93周期单药S-1化疗,S-1组和观察组中位PFS分别为7.0个月和5.2个月,中位OS分别为10.7个月和7.5个月,2组PFS和OS比较差异均有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。S-1组不良反应大多数表现为1～2级,3～4级仅有1例粒细胞减少及1例腹泻,2组之间差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。结论 晚期胰腺癌一线GS方案化疗后疾病得到控制者序贯S-1单药治疗安全有效,能显著延长患者的PFS及OS,且不良反应轻。     

Docetaxel plus fractionated cisplatin is a safe and active schedule as first-line treatment of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer: Results of a phase II study

This phase II trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of docetaxel 85 mg/m(2) (day 1) and cisplatin 80 mg/m(2) (administered as 40 mg/m(2) doses each on days 1 and 2) every 3 weeks as first-line treatment of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Forty-two NSCLC patients were enrolled, most of them with stage IV disease (74%). A total of 195 chemotherapy cycles were administered (median 6, range 1-6). All patients were considered evaluable for efficacy and toxicity in an intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis. The overall response rate was 48% (95% CI, 33-64), including one CR (3%) and 19 PRs (45%). Stable disease was found in 6 patients (14%). The median time to disease progression was 4.9 months (95% CI, 4.0-5.7) and the median overall survival was 10.5 months (95% CI, 5.1-16.0). The survival rates at 1 and 2 years were 36.0% (95% CI, 19.9-52.0) and 18.0% (95% CI, 3.9-32.1), respectively. Overall, the combination showed an excellent safety profile. Severe hematological toxicities were uncommon: neutropenia (5% of patients, 1% of cycles) and febrile neutropenia (2% of patients, 0.5% of cycles). Asthenia (12%) was the only grade 3/4 non-hematological toxicity that affected more than 10% of patients. There were no toxic deaths. In conclusion, docetaxel plus fractionated cisplatin as first-line treatment of advanced NSCLC patients showed similar efficacy as the same combination with higher doses of docetaxel but where cisplatin was administered in a single dose. This new schedule shows promise in its excellent hematological and non-hematological toxicity profile. A randomized phase III trial is needed to confirm these results.     

Paclitaxel and cetuximab combination efficiency after the failure of a platinum-based chemotherapy in recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

The addition of cetuximab (CTX) to the combination of cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil increases the overall survival (OS) in recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Only a few patients are eligible for this treatment because of its toxicity. The combination of CTX and paclitaxel (TXL) could be included in sequential treatment strategies. Patients were treated with CTX (400/250 mg/m) and TXL (60-80 mg/m) weekly until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Efficacy and safety outcomes were determined retrospectively. A total of 42 patients were included in this analysis. The overall response rate was 38% [95% confidence interval (CI); 23-53%]. The disease control rate with TXL and CTX combination was 74%. Seven (17%) patients progressed before the first evaluation. The median progression-free survival was 3.9 months [95% CI; 3.1-4.7 months] and the median OS was 7.6 months [95% CI; 5.3-9.9 months]. Neurotoxicity and skin rash were the most frequent grade≥2 toxicities, reported in 17 and 12% of patients, respectively. Previous chemotherapy seems to be associated with a lower response rate and progression-free survival but not with the OS. The combination of CTX and TXL was an active and well-tolerated treatment in this series of patients with a poor prognosis and who were mostly symptomatic.     

Multicenter phase II study of S-1 monotherapy as second-line chemotherapy for advanced biliary tract cancer refractory to gemcitabine

Gemcitabine is widely used for the treatment of advanced biliary tract cancer (BTC) as first-line chemotherapy. However, there is no standard chemotherapy for patient with advanced BTC refractory to gemcitabine. We conducted a multicenter phase II study of S-1 monotherapy as second-line chemotherapy for patients with advanced BTC that were refractory to gemcitabine. S-1 was administered orally at a dose of 80 mg/m(2) for 28 days, followed by 14 days of rest. This regimen was repeated every 6 weeks. Tumor response was assessed every two cycles using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.0. Twenty-two patients were enrolled between March 2007 and January 2010, with 14 patients (64%) representing cases of recurrence after surgery. The overall response rate was 22.7%, and the overall disease control rate was 50.0%. The median overall survival time was 13.5 months (95% CI, 7.1-23.1 months) and the median time-to-progression was 5.4 months (95% CI, 2.6-17.2 months). Grade 3/4 toxicities included neutropenia (5%) and anemia (5%). The most common non-hematological toxicities were nausea (27%), anorexia (55%), and pigmentation (32%). In conclusion, S-1 monotherapy is feasible and moderately efficacious second-line chemotherapy for advanced BTC.     

紫杉醇联合顺铂治疗晚期食管鳞癌临床观察

目的 观察紫杉醇联合顺铂治疗晚期食管鳞癌的疗效及不良反应.方法 用紫杉醇注射液175mg/m2静脉滴注3h,第1天;顺铂25mg/m2,静脉滴注,第1-3天.该方案治疗25例晚期食管鳞癌,3周为1个周期.结果 25例患者共完成化疗周期数为104个,其中完全缓解1例(4.1％),部分缓解10例(41.7％),稳定9例(37.5％),进展4例(16.7％),总有效率为45.8％(11/24).至末次随访,死亡20例,全组中位生存期11.0个月(95％CI:8.35～13.65个月),1年生存率37.3％.12例治疗有效病例的中位生存期为12.5个月(95％CI:9.11～ 15.90个月),治疗无效病例的中位生存期为8.0个月(95％CI:5.50～9.50个月),获治疗有效病例的中位生存期显著好于无效病例(P =0.022).主要毒副反应有:白细胞减少(Ⅲ度7例,Ⅳ度1例)、中性粒细胞减少(Ⅲ度5例,Ⅳ度1例)、血小板下降(Ⅲ度1例)和脱发(Ⅱ度19例).结论 紫杉醇联合顺铂方案治疗晚期食管癌有效安全,可作为晚期食管鳞癌首选化疗方案.     

替吉奥联合顺铂一线治疗晚期非小细胞肺癌的疗效观察

目的观察替吉奥联合顺铂一线治疗晚期非小细胞肺癌的有效性和安全性。方法 44例晚期非小细胞肺癌患者一线接受替吉奥(根据体表面积调整剂量:40～60mg,口服bid,d1～14),联合顺铂(25mg/m2静滴qd,d1～3)化疗。结果化疗客观有效率(CR+PR)为22.7%,疾病控制率(CR+PR+SD)为72.7%。1年生存率为53.5%,中位PFS为5.3个月(95%CI,5.091～5.509)。化疗后常见的毒副作用为口腔黏膜炎及神经毒性,而严重的骨髓抑制发生率较低。结论替吉奥联合顺铂治疗晚期非小细胞肺癌的疗效确切,耐受性良好,给药途径方便,为晚期非小细胞肺癌的治疗提供了一种新的选择。     

A phase II study of modified FOLFOX as first-line chemotherapy in advanced small bowel adenocarcinoma

This study aimed at assessing the efficacy and safety of biweekly oxaliplatin in combination with continuous infusional 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin (modified FOLFOX regimen) in patients with advanced small bowel adenocarcinoma (SBA). Thirty-three eligible patients with previously untreated SBA received 85 mg/m(2) of oxaliplatin intravenously over a 2-h period on day 1, together with 400 mg/m(2) of leucovorin over 2 h, followed by a 46-h infusion of 5-FU 2600 mg/m(2) every 2 weeks. All patients were evaluable for efficacy and toxicity. A median of nine cycles (range 3-18) was administered. The objective response rate was 48.5% [95% confidence interval (95% CI): 31-67%], with one complete response, 15 partial responses, 12 stable diseases, and five progressions. The median time to progression was 7.8 months (95% CI: 6.0-9.6) and the median overall survival was 15.2 months (95% CI: 11.0-19.4). Toxicity was fairly mild. Grade 3 toxicities included neutropenia (12.1%), thrombocytopenia (3.0%), nausea (6.1%), vomiting (3.0%), diarrhea (3.0%), peripheral neuropathy (9.1%), and fatigue (3.0%), and grade 4 toxicities occurred in none of the patients. The modified FOLFOX regimen is highly active and well tolerated as first-line chemotherapy for advanced SBA patients.     

Biweekly docetaxel as second-line chemotherapy of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer: a phase II study of the Galician Lung Cancer Group (GGCP 006-00)

This phase II trial assessed the antitumoral activity and toxicity of docetaxel 50 mg/m (1-h i.v. infusion) administered every 2 weeks as second-line treatment in 45 patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A total of 251 infusions (median 4 per patient) were administered. The actual and relative median dose intensity values were 24.2 mg/m/week and 0.97, respectively. Thirty-seven patients were evaluable for tumor response. The overall response rate was 20% [95% confidence interval (CI) 8-32%] and included one complete response (2%) and eight partial responses (18%). Stable disease was found in seven patients (16%). With a median follow-up of 4 months, the median time to disease progression was 2.8 months (95% CI 1.9-3.7), the median overall survival was 4.0 months (95% CI 3.4-4.6) and the 1-year survival rate was 23% (95% CI 9-37). The every-2-weeks docetaxel schedule was well tolerated. Grade 3/4 non-hematological toxicities showed rates of 5% or less of patients and 2% or less of cycles. The main grade 3/4 hematological toxicity was neutropenia (16% of patients and 8% of cycles). No febrile neutropenia was found. Nevertheless, one toxic death was reported. We conclude that the biweekly docetaxel schedule showed an antitumoral activity similar to that found with the every-3-weeks or weekly docetaxel schedule in a second-line setting for advanced NSCLC. This antitumoral effect was associated with a marked reduction in hematological toxicity, therefore suggesting that this new docetaxel schedule might be useful in the design of combined second-line schedules for treating NSCLC.     

Bevacizumab as First-Line Therapy in Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Brazilian Center Experience

Objectives

Bevacizumab has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as a first-line therapy for metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel. A single Latin American center experience was reviewed to determine the safety and efficacy of adding bevacizumab to first-line chemotherapy in a local population.

Methods

We retrospectively identified patients with non-squamous NSCLC treated with bevacizumab plus chemotherapy combinations as first-line chemotherapy between July 1, 2006, and January 30, 2011, at Sirio Libanes Hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil. We collected data on patient characteristics, treatment combinations, toxicities, response to treatment, and survival. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were calculated by Kaplan-Meier analysis, and prognostic factors were identified by the Cox regression model.

Results

A total of 56 patients were included in the final analysis (median age 62.4 years; 70% male). In 35 patients (62.5%), bevacizumab was combined with carboplatin and paclitaxel, and in 16 patients (28.6%), it was combined with pemetrexed and carboplatin. The response rate evaluated by the reference clinical team reached 74.5%, the median PFS was 5.3 months, and the median OS was 14.8 months. In multivariate analysis, use of maintenance therapy was the only predictive factor for OS (hazard ratio 6.85, 95% confidence interval 2.94–15.22). No treatment-related deaths were identified, and the overall incidence of grade 3–4 non-hematologic toxicities was 16%.

Conclusion

Our results confirm the efficacy and safety data of bevacizumab first-line combinations for NSCLC in a Brazilian population.     

Phase II study of weekly docetaxel and cisplatin in patients with non-small cell lung cancer

We conducted a phase II study to examine the efficacy and safety of weekly docetaxel and cisplatin in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Forty chemotherapy-naive patients (10 with stage IIIB and 30 with stage IV NSCLC) with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0-2 and adequate organ functions were enrolled. Chemotherapy consisted of cisplatin (80 mg/m2) on day 1, and docetaxel (35 mg/m2) on days 1, 8 and 15, delivered in 4-week cycles consisting of three weekly treatments followed by 1 week of rest. There were 18 partial responses, with an overall response rate of 45% (95% confidence interval 29.6-60.4%) in 40 treated patients. The median survival period was 19.9 months, median progression-free survival was 5.5 months and 1-year survival rate was 69.4%. Hematologic toxicities were mild and included grade 3 or 4 neutropenia in 37.5%. There were no severe infections or septic deaths. Non-hematologic toxicities were generally mild. Grade 3 or 4 transaminase elevations were observed in two patients. Grade 3 events included two cases each of vomiting, and one case each of hypokalemia, diarrhea and creatinine elevations. Weekly docetaxel and cisplatin is an effective and safe combination in the treatment of patients with advanced NSCLC.     

Phase II study of gemcitabine plus cisplatin in metastatic breast cancer

Our objectives were to assess the efficacy and toxicity of gemcitabine plus cisplatin as first-line therapy in metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Patients with stage IV MBC and no prior chemotherapy for metastatic disease were treated with gemcitabine 1200 mg/m on days 1 and 8, and cisplatin 75 mg/m on day 1 every 21 days. Up to 6 cycles were given. A total of 46 patients with a median age of 49 years (range 24-77) and Karnofsky performance status of 80 or above were enrolled. In total, 238 cycles were administered. Of the 42 patients evaluable for response, seven (17%) achieved a complete response and 27 (64%) a partial response, for an overall response rate of 81% [95% confidence interval (CI) 69-93%]. Median time to progression was 14.9 months (95% CI 0-30.2 months). Median duration of response was 24.2 months (95% CI 11.2-37.3 months). The median survival was 27.9 months (95% CI 23.1-32.7 months), and the 1- and 2-year survival probabilities were 71.4 and 61.4%, respectively. All patients were evaluable for toxicity, and grade 3/4 WHO toxicities included neutropenia (41.3%), anemia (8.7%), thrombocytopenia (8.7%), alopecia (26.1%) and nausea/vomiting (32.6%). We conclude that gemcitabine plus cisplatin is a highly effective and safe first-line treatment for patients with MBC. The time to progression of 14.9 months compares favorably with other standard treatments (anthracyclines, taxanes). A randomized study is required to further investigate the role of this combination as first-line treatment for MBC.     

Sequential treatment strategy for malignant pleural effusion in non-small cell lung cancer with the activated epithelial grow factor receptor mutation

With the advent of molecularly targeted therapy, it is necessary to reconsider the strategy for malignant pleural effusion in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a two-line sequential treatment strategy in this patient subgroup. First-line treatment was gefitinib (250?mg/day) until disease progression. Second-line treatment was thoracoscopic talc pleurodesis followed by chemotherapy. Primary endpoints were the overall response and progression-free survival rates after first-line treatment, and the overall survival rate after first- and second-line treatment. Secondary endpoints were the success rate of thoracoscopic talc pleurodesis and gefitinib toxicity. Among the 76 patients enrolled, 61 (80%) were female and the median age was 62 years. The overall response rate after first-line treatment was 92.1% and median progression-free survival was 15 months. The success rate for thoracoscopic talc pleurodesis in 33 patients was 94%. Median follow-up was 35 months. Median overall survival was 39 months. The 1- and 3-year overall survival rates were 86.4% and 46.1%, respectively. The two-line sequential treatment strategy enhanced survival. These preliminary findings provide an insight into novel therapeutic models for malignant pleural effusion in NSCLC harbouring EGFR mutations.     

Phase II study of oral S-1 with irinotecan and bevacizumab (SIRB) as first-line therapy for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer

Fluorouracil (5-FU) plus irinotecan combined with bevacizumab has significant activity in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), but S-1 has become a substitute for continuous infusion of 5-FU and has a very low incidence of hand-foot syndrome. With the S-1 plus irinotecan regimen (SIR), the response rate was 62.5%, and the progression-free survival was 8.0 months. We report here on an update of efficacy and safety of the SIR plus bevacizumab (SIRB) regimen as first line treatment for mCRC patients. Fifty-one eligible patients with histologically confirmed advanced or recurrent colorectal cancer received this treatment. S-1 was administered orally on days 1-14 of a 21-day cycle. Patients were assigned on the basis of body surface area (BSA) to receive one of the following oral doses twice daily: 40 mg, 50 mg, or 60 mg. Irinotecan (150 mg/m(2)) plus bevacizumab (7.5 mg/kg) were administered by intravenous infusion on day 1. Safety analysis identified a grade 3/4 neutropenia rate of 26%. Other grade 3/4 toxicities were diarrhea (8%), nausea (6%), vomiting (2%), and hypertension (8%). The response rate was 67% and the median progression-free survival time was 373 days. The SIRB regimen appears to be highly active and well tolerated as first-line treatment for mCRC.     

培美曲塞二线或二线以上治疗老年非小细胞肺癌的临床观察

目的：观察培美曲塞二线或二线以上治疗老年非小细胞肺癌的疗效及不良反应。方法回顾性分析一线及二线治疗失败的老年非小细胞肺癌21例,应用培美曲塞单药或联合顺铂或卡铂化疗,化疗1个周期后即评价不良反应;化疗2个周期后行疗效评价。结果21例患者中20例可评价疗效,完全缓解（CR）0例,部分缓解（PR）1例,稳定（SD）12例,进展（PD）7例。客观缓解率（ORR）为5%,疾病控制率（DCR）为65%。中位无进展生存期（PFS）为3.5个月。培美曲塞血液学及非血液学副反应均较轻,主要表现为白细胞减少、血小板减少及肝功能异常,经对症及支持处理后能恢复。培美曲塞联合铂类化疗副反应略重。结论老年非小细胞肺癌患者二线或二线以上应用培美曲塞化疗有一定价值,并且副反应轻,老年患者能耐受。     

替吉奥联合伊立替康一线治疗晚期结直肠癌的前瞻性临床观察

目的：观察替吉奥联合伊立替康一线治疗术后复发或转移的晚期结直肠癌的疗效和安全性。方法：42例无手术指征的晚期结直肠癌患者,未接受姑息化疗,接受以下方案作为一线化疗：替吉奥40mg/m2,2次/d,口服,d1～d9;伊立替康180mg/m2,静脉滴注, d1;14d为1个周期（IRIS方案）。对患者进行密切观察和随访。结果：有40例可评价疗效,中位化疗周期数8（4～12）,部分缓解14例,稳定22例,疾病进展4例,有效率为45.0%,疾病控制率为90%。中位无进展生存期（PFS）为6.5个月（1.5～10.0个月）。主要毒副作用有皮肤色素沉着、消化道反应和骨髓抑制,多为I～II度,III度以上毒性发生率为7.1%,无治疗相关性死亡。结论：替吉奥联合伊立替康一线治疗晚期结直肠癌,应用方便,近期疗效与目前标准方案相当,毒副反应可耐受。     

Phase II study of irinotecan/S-1 combination chemotherapy for patients with oxaliplatin-refractory colorectal cancer

To determine the efficacy and tolerance of irinotecan in combination with S-1 (IRIS) for patients whose disease progressed after treatment with an oxaliplatin-based therapy for colorectal cancer (CRC). Each patient’s disease had progressed after the administration of a regimen containing oxaliplatin and 5-FU. S-1 was administered orally at a fixed dose of 40mg/m² twice daily on days 1–14 and 21–35. Irinotecan (150 mg/m²) was administered via intravenous infusion on days 1, 15, and 29. Courses were repeated every 6 weeks. 20 patients were enrolled in this study between April 2006 and March 2008. The median age was 63 years (range: 34–74), and the dominant metastasis sites were the liver, lung, and lymph nodes. The objective response rate was 20%; 1 patient registered complete response and 3 patients registered partial responses; 7 patients were stabilized (35%); and 9 evidenced progression of disease (45%). Median progression-free survival was 3.0 months (95% CI, 2.1–3.9 months) and median overall survival was 9.8 months (95% CI, 6.3–13.3 months). For the 41 cycles analyzed, the most commonly detected hematologic toxicity was grade I–II anemia (63.4%). Leukopenia occurred in 18 cycles (41.5%), including eight cycles (19.5%) of grade 3–4 leukopenia. Frequently observed non-hematologic toxicities included the following: grade I vomiting was reported in 4 patients (20%), grade 2 neuropathy occurred in 3 patients (15%), and grade 2 mucositis was noted in 2 patients (10%). Two patients died from sepsis and hematemesis during treatment. Although the response rate in stage I reached the target (≥ 3/18, p0 = 10%) established for movement to stage II, this study had to be discontinued because two patients died during treatment. Additionally, the follow-up loss rate was higher (16.6%) than we had anticipated (<10%). Even though a regime consisting of irinotecan combined with S-1 (IRIS) has proven effective in oxaliplatin-pretreated patients with advanced CRC, treatment-related mortalities and the high follow-up loss rate suggested that this IRIS protocol should result in early closure and modification.     

Weekly high-dose 5-fluorouracil as 24-h infusion and folinic acid (AIO) plus irinotecan as second- and third-line treatment in patients with colorectal cancer pre-treated with AIO plus oxaliplatin

Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of high-dose 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) as a 24-h infusion and folinic acid (FA) (AIO regimen) plus irinotecan (CPT-11) after pre-treatment with AIO plus oxaliplatin (L-OHP) in colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Twenty-six patients with non-resectable distant CRC metastases were analyzed for second- or third-line treatment with AIO plus CPT-11 after pre-treatment with AIO plus L-OHP. On an outpatient basis, the patients received a treatment regimen comprising weekly 80 mg/m2 CPT-11 in the form of a 1-h i.v. infusion and 500 mg/m2 FA as a 1- to 2-h i.v. infusion, followed by 2000 mg/m2 5-FU i.v. administered as a 24-h infusion once weekly. A single treatment cycle comprised six weekly infusions followed by 2 weeks of rest. A total of 26 patients received 344 chemotherapy applications with AIO plus CPT-11. The main symptom of toxicity was diarrhea (NCI-CTC toxicity grade 3+4) occurring in five patients (19%; 95% CI 7-39%). Nausea and vomiting presented in two patients (8%; 95% CI 1-25%). The response rate of 26 patients can be summarized as follows: partial remission: n=7 (27%; 95% CI 12-48%); stable disease: n=9 (35%; 95% CI 17-56%) and progressive disease: n=10 (38%; 95% CI 20-59%). The median progression-free survival (n=26) was 5.8 months (range 3-13), the median survival time counted from the treatment start with the AIO plus CPT-11 regimen was 10 months (range 2-24) and counted from the start of first-line treatment (n=26) was 23 months (range 10-66). We conclude that the AIO regimen plus CPT-11 is practicable in an outpatient setting and well tolerated by the patients. Tumor control was achieved in 62% of the patients. The median survival time was 10 months and the median survival time from the start of first-line treatment (n=26) was 23 months.     

Phase II study of amrubicin, 9-amino-anthracycline, in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: a West Japan Thoracic Oncology Group (WJTOG) study

Summary Purpose: We conducted a multicenter phase II study of amrubicin, a novel 9-aminoanthracycline, to evaluate its efficacy and safety in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients and methods: Entry requirements included cytologically or histologically proven measurable NSCLC, stage III or IV, no prior therapy, an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0 to 2, and adequate organ function. Amrubicin was given by daily intravenous injection at 45 mg/m²/day for three consecutive days, repeated at 3 week intervals. Each patient received at least three treatment cycles. Results: Sixty-two patients were enrolled in this study. Of the 62 registered patients, 60 were eligible and assessable for efficacy, and 59 for toxicity. Overall response rate was 18.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 9.5 to 30.4%) and median survival time was 8.2 months (95% CI, 6.7 to 10.4 months). Major toxicity was myelosuppression, with incidences of grade 3 or 4 toxicity of 78.0% for neutropenia, 54.2% for leukopenia, 30.5% for anemia, and 28.8% for thrombocytopenia. Non-hematological toxicities with a greater than 50% incidence were anorexia (69.5%), nausea/vomiting (55.9%), and alopecia (75.9%), but were relatively mild, with grade 3 toxicities observed in only one patient each (1.7%). Conclusion: Amrubicin was an active, well-tolerated agent in the treatment of NSCLC.