Randomized phase III trial of bleomycin, vindesine, mitomycin-C, and cisplatin (BEMP) versus cisplatin (P) in disseminated squamous-cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix: An EORTC Gynecological Cancer Cooperative Group study

Purpose:Three previous mitomycin–cisplatin-basedchemotherapy trials conducted within the EORTC Gynecological CancerCooperative Group (GCCG) in patients with disseminated squamous-cell carcinomaof the uterine cervix (SCCUC) suggested that with such regimens a higheroverall response rate and a higher complete response rate could be obtainedcompared to what might have been expected from cisplatin alone. In thatrespect the combination of bleomycin, vindesine (Eldesine®), mitomycin Cand cisplatin (BEMP) was the most promising. In the present study BEMP hasbeen compared with the best single agent, cisplatin (P) in the expectationthat improved response rates might translate into a better survival. Patients and methods:Eligible patients were those with SCCUC anddisseminated measurable disease outside previously irradiated areas, aged75 years, with a WHO performance status 2 and adequate bone marrow,renal, hepatic and pulmonary function, who gave consent according toregulations followed in individual institutions. Patients were randomized toBEMP: E 3 mg/m² day 1, P 50 mg/m² day 1, B 15 mg(24-hour infusion) day 2–4 and M 8 mg/m² (at alternatecycles), or P 50 mg/m². The first four cycles were given every 3weeks (induction phase). Subsequent cycles were given every four weeks(maintenance phase), during which B was deleted from BEMP (MEP). Patientsfailing on P could be treated with BEM. Of the 287 patients entered, 235 wereeligible and 201 evaluable for response. Results:BEMP induced a significantly higher response rate thanP (42% vs. 25%, P = 0.006). There was nodifference in complete response rate (11% vs. 7%). BEMP wassignificantly more toxic than P (±BEM), both with respect tohematologic and nonhematologic toxicities. After a median follow-up of 6.1years, survival curves were not significantly different. Medianprogression-free survival and overall survival were 5.3 and 10.1 months withBEMP and 4.5 and 9.3 months with P (±BEM), respectively. In amultivariate analysis of prognostic factors for survival, a lower age(P = 0.003), a lower performance status (P =0.0001) and a short (<1 year) interval since diagnosis(P = 0.0152) were all associated with an increased risk ofdying. For progression-free survival, lower age, prior radiotherapy,locoregional involvement and no prior surgery were associated with a highrisk. Treatment with BEMP or P had no significant impact on survival, but forprogression-free survival there was a trend in favor of BEMP(P = 0.0893). Adjusting for prognostic factors did not changethe effect of treatment. Conclusions:Combination chemotherapy with BEMP produces moretoxicity and more responses compared with cisplatin alone in patients withdisseminated SCCUC, but this does not translate into a better survival.Therefore, in the palliative setting single-agent cisplatin should remain thestandard therapy for these patients.*See Appendix on pages 972–973 for a list of co-authors     

Phase II study of mitomycin-C, vincristine, and bleomycin in advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix.

Utilizing the stathmokinetic principle of timed vincristine and bleomycin, we combined these two agents with Mitomycin-C. The dose schedule included vincristine 0.5 mg/m2 intravenously (i.v.) geginning on day 1 and repeated twice weekly for 12 weeks; each injection was followed in 6-12 hours by bleomycin 6 mg/m2 for 12 weeks. Mitomycin-C was administered as a 20 mg/m2 bolus beginning on day 2 and repeated at 6-week intervals. Thirty patients were entered into this study, 27 were fully available for response. Thirteen patients (48%) met criteria of response (greater than 50% reduction in volume of measurable tumor). Significant myelosuppression resulted from this therapy. Median leukopenia nadir was 3.8 X 10(3) cells/mm3 and median thrombocytopenia nadir was 116 X 10(3) cells/mm3. Additional toxic reactions included anemia, lassitude, anorexia, peripheral neuropath fever, and skin rash. Despite significant, but manageable, toxicity, this combination appears to represent an improvement in the chemotherapy of a traditionaly refractory solid tumor.     

Phase II study of bleomycin, vindesine, mitomycin C and cisplatin (BEMP) in recurrent or disseminated squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix.

OBJECTIVE: We carried out a phase II trial with BEMP [bleomycin, vindesine (Eldisine(R)), mitomycin C and cisplatin] in patients with recurrent and/or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix with the specific aim to assess whether BEMP was of particular interest when certain disease sites were involved. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eligible patients received four cycles of E 3 mg/m(2), day 1 + 8; P 50 mg/m(2), day 1; B 15 mg/day (continuous infusion), day 2-4 and M 8 mg/m(2), day 5 (on alternate cycles), every 3 weeks during an induction phase. Thereafter, those without progression continued with MEP every 4 weeks in a maintenance phase. MEP consisted of E 3 mg/m(2), day 1 + 8, M 6 mg/m(2) (on alternate cycles) and P 50 mg/m(2), both on day 1. All drugs were given i.v. Both response evaluation and toxicity grading were assessed according to World Health Organization criteria. RESULTS: Of the 161 eligible patients, 143 were assessable for survival, 148 for toxicity and 131 for response. Overall response rate was 45% [complete (CR) 14.5%, partial response (PR) 30.5%]. Most responsive disease sites were lung, lymph nodes and skin metastases (>60% response, CR rate >25%). Median duration of response was 7.6 months. Survival was significantly better in patients with only distant metastases: 12.9 months versus 8.6 months in those with other disease sites involved (P = 0.002). In a multivariate analysis, patients with a good performance status yielded a better prognosis (P = 0.0017), as did the patients with only metastatic disease compared with those who had pelvic disease also or solely (P = 0.045). There were two toxic deaths and 21% of patients stopped treatment because of excessive toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with a good performance status and only distant metastases seem optimal candidates to receive the BEMP regimen. This benefit should be balanced against the expected serious toxic effects.     

Phase II study of fotemustine in patients with advanced ovarian carcinoma. A trial of the EORTC Gynecological Cancer Group

30 patients with advanced ovarian cancer, all platinum pretreated, were treated with an induction cycle of fotemustine. Maintenance therapy was given to 6 patients. No objective response was observed among the 21 evaluable patients. The main toxicities were gastrointestinal, with grade 3 nausea and vomiting reported in 40% of the patients, and haematological, with grade 4 leucopenia reported in 2 patients and grade 4 thrombocytopenia in 5 patients. Therefore, no role has been demonstrated in our cohort for the use of fotemustine, a nitrosourea, in pretreated ovarian cancer.     

The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Breast Cancer Group: quality control of surgical trials

This article discusses the impact of surgery-related factors on the outcome of breast cancer patients and the experience of the EORTC in assessing the quality of breast cancer surgery. Furthermore an overview is given of the surgical quality control in the EORTC-AMAROS trial NR 10981.     

Phase II trial with ISIS 5132 in patients with small-cell (SCLC) and non-small cell (NSCLC) lung cancer. A European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Early Clinical Studies Group report

Two multicentre phase II trials were designed to determine if tumour responses can be achieved in progressive small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) or non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with ISIS 5132, an inhibitor of C-raf kinase mRNA expression (CGP 69846A; ISIS Pharmaceuticals Inc, Carlsbad, CA), and to further characterise the safety of the compound. Between August 1998 and November 1999, 26 patients (18 NSCLC, 8 SCLC) were entered. Out of these, 23 were eligible, 22 (18 NSCLC, 4 SCLC) were treated with ISIS 5132 (2 mg/kg/day, 21 days continuous intravenous (i.v.) infusion every 4 weeks) and were evaluable for toxicity and 18 (15 NSCLC, 3 SCLC) were evaluable for efficacy. For the whole group haematological toxicity did not exceed grade 2. One patient experienced a grade 4 increased prothrombin time. Non-haematological toxicity was mild to moderate, with the observation of asthenia and nausea and vomiting. Progressive disease (PD) was diagnosed in 10 patients (8 NSCLC and 2 SCLC). 8 more patients (7 NSCLC, 1 SCLC) were considered as treatment failures. In conclusion, this study using ISIS 5132 with this dose and schedule of administration excludes a 20% response rate with 95% confidence intervals for NSCLC and cannot draw any conclusions for SCLC patients as only a few were involved in the study.     

Phase II study of cisplatin and vinorelbine in squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix: a gynecologic oncology group study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of intravenous cisplatin and vinorelbine as combination chemotherapy in patients with advanced or recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between August 1997 and January 2001, 73 patients with advanced or recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix were entered onto this study. Eligible patients had received no prior therapeutic chemotherapy, except when administered concurrent with primary radiation therapy. The initial doses administered were cisplatin 75 mg/m(2) every 4 weeks and vinorelbine 30 mg/m(2) weekly. Subsequent doses were unchanged, reduced, escalated, or omitted according to observed toxicity and protocol guidelines. Patients were evaluated for response and toxicity using standard Gynecologic Oncology Group criteria. RESULTS: Of 73 patients, 67 were eligible and assessable. The overall response rate was 30% (five complete and 15 partial responses). The overall median response duration was 5.5+ months. The major toxicity was neutropenia, with 16% grade 3 and 67% grade 4 reported. Gastrointestinal and neurotoxicity were infrequent and mild. CONCLUSION: The combination of cisplatin and vinorelbine has moderate activity in advanced or recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix. Additional study of this regimen in a phase III setting is justified in this patient population.     

A phase II study of ifosfamide, carboplatin and cisplatin in advanced and recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix

BACKGROUND:: Discouraging response durations and long-time survivals haveso far been the result of cisplatin-containing combination chemotherapyagainst advanced or recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of theuterine cervix. In order to increase the platinum-based effectupon this tumor without an increase in the specific toxicityof cisplatin, we combined it with carboplatin, added ifosfamide,which has been shown to possess a comparable degree of single-agentactivity. PATIENTS AND METHODS:: Thirty-six patients with advanced or recurrent squamous cellcarcinoma of the uterine cervix not curable by radiation orsurgery were treated with a combination of ifosfamide 1.5 gr/m²i.v. days 1–3, carboplatin 200 mg/m² i.v. day 1, and cisplatin50 mg/ml² Thirty-one patients were evaluable for response and34 patients for toxicity. RESULTS:: Twenty-three patients responded (64%), 11 (31%) of them completely,and 12 (33%) partially. Median response duration was 23 weeks(range 8–107 weeks), reaching 27 weeks and 21 weeks patientswith and without disease in previously irradiated areas, respectively.Median survival is 40 weeks (range 1–114 weeks). Toxicityconsisted mainly of moderate to severe myelosuppression, resultingin 2 toxic deaths. CONCLUSION:: The response rate, also for earlier irradiated areas, comparesfavorably with other known cisplatin-containing regimens. Thecombination deserves investigation in a randomized setting. Uterine cervical cancer, advanced, recurrent, chemotherapy     

A Phase II study of gemcitabine in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma. European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Lung Cancer Cooperative Group.

BACKGROUND: Gemcitabine has shown activity in patients with less chemosensitive solid tumors. Phase II screening of novel drugs is an accepted method with which to investigate new therapies in malignant mesothelioma. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer-Lung Cancer Cooperative Group has performed several sequential Phase II trials of new agents for the treatment of mesothelioma over the last 10 years. METHODS: Twenty-seven chemotherapy-naive patients with histologically proven malignant mesothelioma were treated with gemcitabine as a 30-minute intravenous administration of 1250 mg/m2 on Days 1, 8, and 15 of a 28-day cycle. Therapy continued for up to ten cycles unless disease progression or excessive toxicity mandated discontinuation. RESULTS: With a median relative dose intensity of 96%, toxicity was mild and neutropenia of > or = Grade 3 (according to National Cancer Institute criteria) occurred in 30% of patients, without episodes of febrile neutropenia. One case of hemolytic-uremic syndrome, most likely related to gemcitabine use, was observed. Overall, 2 objective responses were observed (response rate of 7%; 95% confidence interval, 1-24%). The median survival was 8 months. CONCLUSIONS: At the prescribed dosage and schedule, single agent gemcitabine appears to have limited activity in chemotherapy-naive patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma.     

Cisplatin,doxorubicin and ifosfamide in carcinosarcoma of the female genital tract. A phase II study of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Gynaecological Cancer Group (EORTC 55923)

Carcinosarcomas of the female genital tract are highly malignant tumours composed of carcinomatous and sarcomatous elements. In the past, these tumours were frequently treated as sarcomas. However, a number of arguments, including the sensitivity of these tumours to platinum-based chemotherapy, suggest that these tumours behave more like poorly differentiated carcinomas. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Gynaecological Cancer Group therefore decided to perform a prospective phase II study in patients with advanced or metastatic carcinosarcoma with an approach such as that used in gynaecological carcinomas. Eligible patients could have primary or recurrent disease, but prior radiotherapy or chemotherapy was not allowed. The treatment plan recommended upfront debulking, followed by chemotherapy with cisplatin, ifosfamide and doxorubicin. Patients who could be debulked to non-measurable disease remained eligible for the study, but the response assessment was restricted to patients who had measurable disease before the start of chemotherapy. A total of 48 patients (39 primary disease, 9 recurrent disease) were registered, 41 of them being eligible. In 9 patients, all macroscopic lesions could be removed, 32 patients were left with residual disease and were assessable for response. The overall response rate was 56%: a complete response (CR) was observed in 11 (34%) patients and partial response (PR) in 7 (22%) patients. No change occurred in 5 patients and progression in 2 patients. In 7 patients, response could not be assessed. Median survival for all of the 41 eligible patients was 26 months. Severe leucopenia and thrombocytopenia were common and necessitated dose reductions or delays in 60% of patients. From a clinical point of view, the most severe non-haematological toxicity was renal dysfunction, and one patient died of this complication in the absence of disease progression. The results of this study are in-line with the hypothesis that carcinosarcomas are chemosensitive, in particular for the currently investigated regimen. The treatment also included upfront cytoreduction when feasible. Considering the observed toxicities, alternative platinum-based regimens with more favourable toxicity profiles should be explored.     

Phase II study of vinblastine in previously treated squamous carcinoma of the cervix. A Gynecologic Oncology Group study

Thirty-six patients with advanced squamous carcinoma of the uterine cervix recurrent after radiotherapy or surgery or first-line chemotherapy were eligible for a phase II study employing vinblastine in a dose of 9 mg/m2 intravenously every 3 weeks until disease progression or toxicity supervened. Two patients were never treated, leaving 34 patients evaluable for toxicity. One patient was inevaluable for response, leaving 33 evaluable for this parameter. Thirty-two patients had prior radiotherapy and 30 had prior chemotherapy. All patients had Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) performance status of 0, 1, or 2. Median age was 46 years. Twenty patients had disease in the pelvis and 13 had extrapelvic metastases. Fourteen patients had grade 3 lesions. A median of three courses (range: 1-12 courses) was administered. Ten patients (29.4%) experienced GOG grade 3 or 4 leukocytopenia and 10 had grade 3 or 4 granulocytopenia. Other toxicity included grade 4 gastrointestinal toxicity and anemia in one patient each and two patients with grade 3 neurotoxicity. Twenty patients (60.6%) had stable disease with therapy and 13 had increasing disease. No responses were observed. Vinblastine in this dose and schedule is inactive in previously treated patients with squamous carcinoma of the cervix.     

Phase II study of cisplatin and vinorelbine as first-line chemotherapy in patients with carcinoma of the uterine cervix.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the activity and toxicity of the combination of cisplatin (80 mg/m2 day 1) and vinorelbine (25 mg/m2 days 1 and 8) in patients with carcinoma of the uterine cervix that has not been previously treated with chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty patients with cervical cancer were enrolled onto this study (27 stage IB-III, 23 stage IVB-recurrent). A two-stage optimal Simon design was applied. Thirteen responders of 29 treated patients were required to proceed beyond the first stage, and 28 responders were needed overall. RESULTS: Hematologic toxicity was mild, with neutropenia being the most frequent side effect. Nonhematologic toxicity was frequent but never severe; one patient had grade 3 peripheral neurotoxicity. Objective responses were recorded for 32 patients (64%): 11 patients (22%) achieved a complete response (CR) and 21 patients (42%) achieved a partial response (PR). The response rate was 81.5% in patients with IB-III stage (25.9% CR rate) and 43.5% in patients with IVB-recurrent disease (17.4% CR rate). Responses were seen both in stage IVB patients (one CR and two PRs, for an overall rate of 37.5%) and in patients with recurrent disease (three CRs + four PRs, for an overall rate of 46.7%). CONCLUSION: The combination of cisplatin and vinorelbine is an active regimen in the treatment of patients with early-stage and advanced carcinoma of the uterine cervix. The hematologic and nonhematologic toxicity of this combination is mild.     

Results of a European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Early Clinical Studies Group phase II trial of first-line irinotecan in patients with advanced or recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix.

PURPOSE: To determine the efficacy and tolerability of irinotecan (CPT-11) in advanced or recurrent cervical carcinoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eligible patients had histologically confirmed, inoperable, progressive, metastatic or recurrent squamous cell cervical carcinoma and had received no radiotherapy in the preceding 3 months and had never received chemotherapy. The initial irinotecan dosage of 350 mg/m(2) every 3 weeks was modifiable according to toxicity. Treatment continued for six cycles after complete response, or until disease progression or excessive toxicity after partial response, or for three additional cycles in the case of stable disease. Patients were stratified into group A (>/= one measurable lesion in a previously unirradiated area, with or without progressive disease in irradiated fields) or group B (measurable new lesion[s] in an irradiated field). RESULTS: Fifty-one of 55 enrolled patients were eligible for inclusion (median age, 47 years; range, 30 to 71 years). The response rate was 15.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.0% to 28.6%) overall, 23.5% (95% CI, 10.7% to 41.2%) for group A (complete response, 2.9%), and zero for group B. The median time to progression and median survival were 4.0 and 8.2 months for group A and 2.5 and 4.2 months for group B, respectively. The major grade 3/4 toxicities for groups A and B were diarrhea (24.3% and 55.5%, respectively) and neutropenia (24.3% and 33.3%, respectively). There were four toxicity-related deaths, three in group B. Patients with no prior external pelvic irradiation experienced fewer grade 3 and 4 adverse events. CONCLUSION: Irinotecan is effective in treating cervical squamous cell carcinoma if disease is located in an unirradiated area. Because of toxicity, a reduced dose is advised for patients previously treated with external pelvic irradiation.     

Phase II study of maytansine in the treatment of advanced or recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix. A Gynecologic Oncology Group study

Twenty-nine patients with advanced or recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix who had failed standard therapy were treated with maytansine 1.2 mg/m2 intravenously once every 3 weeks. Only one partial remission was observed among the 29 patients (3%). There were no complete remissions. Stable disease was observed in 18 (62%) and progressive disease in 10 (35%). Adverse effects were infrequent and mild to moderate and consisted primarily of myelosuppression, weakness, and nausea and vomiting. This study shows that maytansine at the dose and schedule tested is essentially inactive in the treatment of advanced or recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix.     

The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality-of-Life questionnaire cervical cancer module: EORTC QLQ-CX24

BACKGROUND: The authors report on the development and validation of a cervical cancer module for the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality-of-Life (QoL) questionnaire (QLQ), which was designed to assess disease-specific and treatment-specific aspects of QoL in patients with cervical cancer. METHODS: The cervical cancer module (EORTC QLQ-CX24) was developed in a multicultural, multidisciplinary setting to supplement the EORTC QLQ-C30 core questionnaire. The QLQ-C30 and the cervical cancer module were administered to 346 patients with cervical cancer who underwent radical hysterectomy and received radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Psychometric analyses were performed by using data from 2 independent samples. RESULTS: The QLQ-CX24 consists of 3 multiitem scales and 5 single-item scales. Multitrait scaling analyses revealed high internal consistencies for the subscales with Cronbach alpha coefficients ranging from .72 to .87 (Symptom Experience, .72; Body Image, .86; Sexual/Vaginal Functioning, .87). Convergent and discriminant validity were fulfilled with scaling errors below 3%. The QLQ-CX24 was capable of discriminating between clinical subgroups. All items exhibited good compliance with <3% missing values. Most patients completed the EORTC QLQ-C30 and the QLQ-CX24 in <15 minutes (86%), and many did not require any assistance to complete the questionnaires (65%). CONCLUSIONS: The current psychometric analyses supported the content and construct validity and the reliability of the EORTC QLQ-CX24 module. This newly developed module is a useful instrument for assessing the QoL of patients who are treated for cervical cancer both in clinical trials and in clinical practice.     

Phase II trial of paclitaxel and cisplatin in metastatic and recurrent carcinoma of the uterine cervix.

PURPOSE: Both paclitaxel and cisplatin have moderate activity in patients with metastatic or recurrent cancer of the cervix, and the combination of these two agents has shown activity and possible synergism in a variety of solid tumors. We administered this combination to patients with metastatic or recurrent cervical cancer to evaluate its activity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-four consecutive patients were treated on an outpatient basis with paclitaxel 175 mg/m2 administered intravenously over a 3-hour period followed by cisplatin 75 mg/m2 administered intravenously with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor support. The chemotherapy was administered every 3 weeks for a maximum of six courses. RESULTS: Sixteen patients (47%; 95% confidence interval, 30% to 65%) achieved an objective response, including five complete responses and 11 partial responses. Responses occurred in 28% of patients with disease within the radiation field only and in 57% of patients with disease involving other sites. The median duration of response was 5.5 months, and the median times to progression and survival for all patients were 5 and 9 months, respectively. Grade 3 or 4 toxicities included anemia in 18% of patients and granulocytopenia in 15% of patients. Fifty-three percent of patients developed some degree of neurotoxicity; 21% of cases were grade 2 or worse. CONCLUSION: The combination of paclitaxel with cisplatin seems relatively well tolerated and moderately active in patients with metastatic or recurrent cervical cancer. The significant incidence of neurotoxicity is of concern, and alternative methods of administration of the two agents could be evaluated. Then, further study of this combination, alone or with the addition of other active agents, is warranted.     

宫颈鳞状细胞癌患者血清鳞状细胞癌抗原变化的临床意义

目的　研究子宫颈鳞状细胞癌患者血清中鳞状细胞癌抗原水平与病理分级、临床分期及对治疗反应之间的关系。方法　利用雅培公司提供的 IMX全自动快速粒子酶免疫分析系统 ,对 2 5例正常献血员和 83例经病理学诊断的宫颈鳞状细胞癌患者 ,进行了血清中鳞状细胞癌抗原血清检测并分析其与病理分级、临床分期之间关系。其中 80例患者放射治疗前后血清鳞状细胞癌抗原水平变化情况进行了自身比较。结果　中晚期宫颈鳞状细胞癌患者血清鳞状细胞癌抗原水平与病理分级、临床分期之间无相关性。放射治疗前后患者血清鳞状细胞癌抗原水平有明显变化。结论　对子宫颈鳞状细胞癌患者 ,在治疗前后检测血清鳞状细胞癌抗原水平 ,可以作为对放射治疗疗效判断的参考指标之一。     

Phase II study of rhizoxin in squamous cell head and neck cancer. The EORTC Early Clinical Trials Group.

To test the anti-tumour activity of rhizoxin in recurrent and/or metastatic squamous cell head and neck cancer, we performed a phase II study. Eligibility required histologically proven squamous cell head and neck cancer. Patients could only have received one prior chemotherapy. Patients were entered if WHO PS was < or = 2 and organ functions were normal. Treatment consisted of rhizoxin 1.5-2.0 mg m-2 i.v. bolus injection once every 3 weeks. Thirty-two patients entered the study. All were eligible, 31 were evaluable for toxicity and 25 for response. Toxicity mainly consisted of pain at the tumour site and leucocytopenia. Mild asthenia and stomatitis were also observed. Two objective partial responses, lasting 7.5 and 3.5 months, were seen. Rhizoxin at this dose and schedule has minor activity in recurrent and/or metastatic squamous cell head and neck cancer.     

Phase II trial of piperazinedione (NCS 135758) in the treatment of advanced or recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix. A Gynecologic Oncology Group study

Thirty-eight patients with advanced or recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix no longer amenable to management with surgery and/or radiotherapy were given piperazinedione 9 mg/m2 intravenously every 3 weeks. Five (13%) experienced either complete or partial regression of disease, while 13 (34%) demonstrated stable disease. Responses were relatively short (median 3 months) with responders surviving significantly longer than nonresponders (median 20.3 months vs. 3.0 months, p = 0.01). Adverse effects consisted primarily of myelosuppression (61%) and nausea and vomiting (47%) and generally were mild to moderate and tolerable. The drug has minimal activity and tolerable adverse effects and could be considered for trials of combination chemotherapy in this disease.     

Bleomycin and mitomycin-C (BLM-M) in recurrent squamous uterine cervical carcinoma

Bleomycin and mitomycin-C (BLM-M) induction therapy was administered to 23 patients with recurrent squamous carcinoma of the uterine cervix. Six patients (26%) responded. Although these results are much lower than originally reported with BLM-M, there is statistical evidence that patients with disease outside the previous radiation therapy field have improved or more easily determined responses. There was no difference in survival between responders and nonresponders for patients who survived at least six weeks. Therapy was found to be relatively nontoxic with no deaths related to therapy.