Weekly irinotecan plus UFT and leucovorin as first-line chemotherapy of patients with advanced colorectal cancer

Summary We evaluated the antitumoral efficacy and safety of CPT-11 125 mg/m² (weekly 90 min i.v. infusion; days 1, 8 and 15) combined with UFT (oral combination of tegafur and uracil) 200 mg/m²/day plus leucovorin (LV) 45 mg/m²/day (both divided into three separate oral doses every 8 h, days 1–21) every 4 weeks as first-line chemotherapy of metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). Fifty-three patients 18 years old with histologically confirmed diagnosis of advanced CRC and bidimensionally measurable disease were enrolled. Three patients (6%) showed CR and 8 patients (15%) showed PR (ORR = 21% (95% CI, 10–32). Stable disease was reported in 19 patients (36%) [tumor control rate = 57% (95% CI, 43–70)]. The median time to progression and overall survival were 7.9 and 18.2 months, respectively (1-year rate = 74%; 2-years rate = 26%). CPT-11/UFT/LV treatment was well tolerated: the most reported grade 3/4 toxicities were neutropenia (11% of patients) and delayed diarrhea (28% of patients). No significant differences in response rate, survival or toxicity were found between younger (65 years) and older patients (> 65 years). Weekly CPT-11 plus UFT/LV was found effective and safe as first-line chemotherapy for metastatic CRC. The addition of CPT-11 to UFT/LV doubled the response rate compared to the results previously reported with UFT/LV, while myelosuppression remained low.     

A phase II trial of interferon alpha-2A plus fluorouracil in advanced renal cell carcinoma

Summary In vitro studies have documented the synergistic activity of interferon (IFN) and fluorouracil (5-FU) in human cancer cell lines, and recent clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of this combination in metastatic colon cancer. The current study was undertaken to evaluate the combination of IFN alpha-2a plus 5-FU in previously untreated patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma. From May 1990 through August 1990, 14 patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma were treated with 5-FU 750 mg/m² day continuous infusion IV days 1–5, followed by weekly IV infusions of 5-FU 750 mg/m² beginning on day 12. Patients concurrently received IFN alpha-2a 9×10⁶ IU subcutaneously 3 times per week beginning on day 1. The median age of patients treated was 57 (range 38–80) with a median Karnofsky performance status of 90 (range 60–100). Sites of metastases included lung only in 6 patients, liver only in 1 patient, 1 patient had bilateral disease at presentation, and the remaining patients had multiple sites of metastases. The median duration of therapy was 2 months. The predominant toxicities seen were stomatitis, nausea, flu-like symptoms and neurotoxicity. The only grade IV toxicity observed was severe vomiting in 1 patient, though 5 patients discontinued therapy within 2 months because of poor subjective response. With a minimum follow-up of 13 months no objective responses were seen. Thirteen of the 14 patients have had progressive disease and 11 have died. The median time to progression was 2 months (range 0.5–6 months) and the median survival was 5 months (range 2–14.5+months). We conclude that at this dose and schedule, IFN alpha-2a plus 5-FU is ineffective in the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma.From the Hoosier Oncology Group, the Walter Cancer Institute, Indianapolis, Indiana and the Department of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, USA.     

Raltitrexed (Tomudex™)

Raltitrexed (TomudexΟχιρχ) is a new specific, mixed non-competitive inhibitor of thymidylate synthase indicated for use in the therapy of advanced colorectal cancer. Phase I and II studies defined a maximum tolerated dose of 3.0 mg/m² administered as a 15-min iv. infusion every 3 weeks: this dose proved active in a range of malignancies, but most significantly in advanced colorectal cancer. Phase III studies in patients with advanced colorectal cancer indicate similar efficacy with raltitrexed monotherapy and combination therapy with 5-fluorouracil + low or high dose leucovorin (5-FU + LV) (Mayo or Machover regimens, respectively). Major toxicity in the various studies of raltitrexed included gastrointestinal effects, haematological suppression, asthenia and reversible asymptomatic increases in hepatic transaminases. However, patients receiving 5-FU + LV experienced more severe leucopaenia and mucositis than patients receiving raltitrexed: this translated into fewer toxicity-related dosage reductions. Raltitrexed is therefore as effective as but better tolerated and accepted than 5-FU + LV. Thus, raltitrexed offers the first alternative to 5-FU-based therapy in advanced colorectal cancer; furthermore, the mode of action of the drug offers the potential for synergy with agents that act via other molecular mechanisms.     

伊立替康联合5-FU/CF治疗转移性结直肠癌46例

目的：评价伊立替康（CPT—11）联合5-FU／CF方案治疗FOLFOX4或LV5FU2方案失败的结直肠癌的客观疗效，临床受益和不良反应。方法：用CPT—11联合5-FU／CF方案治疗晚期结直肠癌患者46例，采用2周方案，即CPT—11 180mg／m^2 iv d1，CF200mg／m^2 iv d1-2，5-FU400mg iv bolusd1，5-FU600mg／m^2 iv，22hd1—2，每2周重复。观察期3—6个月。结果：完全缓解0例，部分缓解18例（有效率39．13％），稳定20例（43．47％），进展8例（17．39％）。临床受益率82．6％（19／23）。临床反应评价有效者36例（78．86％），生活质量显著提高。结论：CPT-11联合5-Fu／CF方案可作为转移性结直肠癌的二线治疗。     

Irinotecan (CPT-11) combined with bolus 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin (Saltz regimen) as first-line chemotherapy of patients with advanced colorectal cancer

Concerns about the safety of irinotecan (CPT-11) plus bolus 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)/leucovorin (LV) (the so-called Saltz regimen) have been previously reported. This prospective, multicenter, non-randomized study evaluated the anti-tumoral effect and toxicity of the Saltz regimen as first-line chemotherapy of 130 patients with advanced colorectal cancer (CRC). The median numbers of treatment cycles and infusions received per patient were 3 and 12, respectively. Eight (6.1) and 37 patients (28.5%) showed complete and partial responses, respectively [overall response rate=34.6% (95% confidence interval=20.7-48.5%)]. After a median follow up period of 9 months, 70 patients had died. The median progression-free survival and overall survival were 6.78 (0.3-33.8) and 8.26 months (range 0.3-33.8), respectively. The combined CPT-11/5-FU/LV treatment was well tolerated and no toxic deaths were reported. The most common grade 3/4 hematological toxicity was neutropenia (28% of patients and 3% of infusions), but no febrile neutropenia was reported. Delayed diarrhea was the most reported grade 3/4 non-hematological toxicity (21% of patients and 2% of infusions). Other non-hematological toxicities showed very low incidences. During the study five patients died due to factors not associated with disease progression. We conclude that the Saltz regimen administered on an outpatient basis was safe and well tolerated in patients with advanced CRC. Close monitoring of external patients together with an early treatment of toxicity was found to be essential to prevent severe and potentially fatal gastrointestinal or thromboembolic events previously reported with this CPT-11 combined regimen.     

Adding weekly irinotecan to high-dose 5-fluorouracil and folinic acid (HD-5-FU/FA) after failure for first-line HD-5-FU/FA in advanced colorectal cancer--a phase II study

Irinotecan (CPT-11) has been shown to prolong survival and improve quality of life in comparison to best supportive care in colorectal cancer patients with pretreatment of bolus 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). After first-line 24-h high-dose (HD) 5-FU/folinic acid (FA) an objective response rate of 11% with 3-weekly CPT-11 350 mg/m was reported. In the present study we investigated weekly CPT-11 in combination with 24-h HD-5-FU/FA as second-line treatment after prior exposure to 24-h HD-5-FU. Synergy between 5-FU and CPT-11 is the rationale to combine both substances for second-line therapy in order to overcome resistance to 5-FU. Thirty-five patients were recruited in a single institution to receive 6 x weekly CPT-11 80 mg/m(2), FA 200 mg/m(2) and 24-h HD-5-FU 2000 mg/m(2). Treatment was repeated on day 57. Patient characteristics: M/F=20/15, median WHO performance status 1, range (0-2). Thirty-four patients were evaluable for response: partial response 17% and no change 40%. Median time to progression and overall survival were 3.3 and 8.4 months, respectively. All patients were evaluable for toxicity analysis (National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria grade 3): leukocytopenia 3%, diarrhea 12% and vomiting/nausea 6%. Of the assigned doses, a median 100% of 5-FU and 92% of CPT-11 were administered during the first cycle of chemotherapy. We conclude that weekly CPT-11 and HD-5-FU/FA is an active and safe combination chemotherapy resulting in response rates in the upper range of other CPT-11-based second-line regimen. The toxicity profile in our series compared to 3-weekly CPT-11 seems favorable.     

Weekly regimen of irinotecan/docetaxel in previously treated non-small cell lung cancer patients and correlation with uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) polymorphism

Purpose: Inherited variations in drug metabolizing enzymes may influence drug efficacy. This phase II study assesses the impact of second-line weekly irinotecan (CPT-11)/docetaxel in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, and gauges the uridine diphosphate glucuronosyl transferase (UGT1A1) polymorphism influence in toxicity and antitumor activity. Experimental Design: Fifty-one patients with NSCLC treated with at least one prior chemotherapy regimen were enrolled. Patients received irinotecan 70mg/m² followed by docetaxel 25mg/m². Both drugs were given on days 1, 8, and 15 every 28 days. UGT1A1 polymorphism were analyzed in blood samples of 47 patients. The UGT1A1 polymorphism are classified according to the number of TA repeats in the promoter region of this gene. Results: Three patients (6%) achieved a partial response and nineteen patients (37%) had stable disease. Median survival was 8 months (95% CI: 4.8–11.2) and 1-year survival 30%. Grade 3–4 hematologic toxicity was low (less than 10% of patients); 15% of patients had grade 3 asthenia and 25% of patients had grade 3/4 diarrhea. The frequency of UGT1A1 genotypes was as follows: 6/6 49%, 6/7 36%, and 7/7 15%. No differences in toxicity were observed according to UGT1A1 polymorphism. A nonsignificant improvement in time to progression (4 vs. 3 months) and median survival (11 vs. 8 months) was detected in patients with the variant alleles (6/7 and 7/7). Conclusions: This weekly irinotecan/docetaxel regimen has shown an acceptable toxicity profile while encouraging median and 1-year survival in heavily pretreated NSCLC patients. The tendency to better prognosis in patients carrying the variant genotypes 6/7 and 7/7 of UGT1A1 gene requires further validation.     

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with gemcitabine and cisplatin in stage IIIA/B non-small cell lung cancer

Purpose. We studied cisplatin plusgemcitabine as induction (neoadjuvant)therapy in patients with stage IIInon-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) toassess its objective remission rate,resectability, survival, and toxicity. Patients and methods. Patients with stageIII NSCLC received 2 cycles of gemcitabine1250 mg/m² on days 1, 8, and 15,plus cisplatin 100 mg/m² on day 2.Subsequently, patients were assigned tolocal therapy – surgery or radiotherapy. Results. Twenty-nine eligiblepatients (male/female: 21/8) with a medianage of 59 years (range, 43–71 years) wereenrolled between October 1996 and February1999. A total of 80 cycles were given,with a median of 3 per patient (range, 1–4cycles). Overall, toxicities were mild;only one patient had febrile neutropenia,and there were no grade 4 non-hematologicaltoxicities. There was one toxic deathfollowing afebrile grade 4 neutropenia.Overall clinical response rate (2 completeresponses [CRs] + 16 partial responses[PRs]) was 62% (95% CI, 45%–79%);10 patients had stable disease and noneprogressed; one patient was not evaluable.Eight of the 18 operated patients hadpathological response: 1 CR and 7downstagings to N(–); 14 patients wereresected. Median survival was 17 months(95% CI, 13–21 months), with 1-year and2-year actuarial survival rates of 61%and 29%, respectively. Conclusions. Gemcitabine pluscisplatin is a very active andwell-tolerated induction regimen in stageIII NSCLC. Comparative studies with otherstandard regimens are warranted.     

Vinorelbine in pre-treated advanced head & neck squamous cell carcinoma

Summary Background: There are few moderately active single-agents for the treatment of recurrent or metastatic head & neck cancer. Thus, the identification of novel active agents is warranted. We performed the present phase II trial to evaluate activity and toxicity of vinorelbine (VNB) in previously treated patients with advanced head & neck cancer.Patients and methods: 16 patients entered the study, 15 of whom were évaluable. The main characteristics were: M/F=14/1; median age of 58 yrs (18–67); median PS (Karnofsky score) of 70 (60–100); primitive tumor sites were: oropharynx in 5; larynx in 4, hypopharynx in 3, rhynopharynx in 2, and oral cavity in 1 patient; initial clinical stage was IV in 9, III in 4 and II in 2 patients. Previous treatments were: cisplatinum with concurrent radiotherapy in 6 and cisplatinum + fluorouracil (for at least 2 cycles) in 9 patients. VNB was given at the dose of 20 mg/m² i.v. infusion for 1 hr, weekly, for a minimum of 8 doses. Response and toxicity were evaluated after at least 8 doses of VNB.Results: Overall, 139 courses of VNB were given (median 9, range 8–19). Objective responses were: partial response in 1 patient (6%); stable disease, lasting at least 2 months, in 4 patients (27%) and progression in the other 10 patients (67%). Three patients had a one week delay in subsequent courses due to severe hematological toxicity.Toxicities observed were: leucopenia of grade IV (W.H.O.) in 2 patients and of grade I-II in 12 patients; granulocytopenia of grade III in 1 patient and of grade IV in 2 patients; grade I-II anemia in 4 patients; grade II phlebitis in 3 patients; grade II constipation in 2 patients, grade I-II peripheral neuropathy in 3 patients, grade I-II nausea and vomiting in 4 patients, and grade II stomatitis in 2 patients. Conclusions: VNB, in this series of heavily pre-treated patients with head & neck cancer, did not reveal an antitumor activity of interest.     

Biochemical modulation of 5-fluorouacil through dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase inhibition: a Southwest Oncology Group phase II trial of eniluracil and 5-fluorouracil in advanced resistant colorectal cancer

Purpose. To investigate thehypothesis that a systemic agent designedto inhibit dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase(DPD), the first enzyme in thefluoropyrimidine degradative pathway, couldimprove the effective amount of5-fluorouracil (5-FU) delivered to a tumorresulting in enhanced response. Patients and methods. Eligibility includedcytologically or pathologically verifieddiagnosis of colorectal cancer thatrecurred during or within 12 months ofcompletion of adjuvant therapy,representing patients generally consideredresistant to fluorinated pyrimidinetherapy. Stratification was into twocohorts: recurrence while receivingadjuvant therapy, and relapse within 12months of completing adjuvant therapy.Treatment consisted of 28 days of oraltherapy every five weeks with eniluraciland 5-FU administered in a 10:1 ratio. Thedaily dose of eniluracil was 10 mg/m²with 5-FU 1 mg/m², divided into twodoses. Results. Twenty-five patientsare evaluable for response: 9 relapsedduring therapy and 16 relapsed within oneyear of adjuvant therapy. In the firstgroup, there was one partial response (9%;95% CI 0–41%); in the second cohort therewas one confirmed complete response (5%;95% CI 0–23%) and one unconfirmed partialresponse, for an overall response rate of10%. Conclusions. This regimen lackssignificant activity in this targetpopulation. Pre-treatment intratumoral DPDexpression was not assessed, therefore themechanism of fluorinated pyrimidineresistance cannot be specificallyattributed to elevated DPD levels.Attempting restoration of chemotherapysensitivity through blockade of enzymes orsignal transduction molecules responsiblefor resistance is rational, provided thattumor target expression is the basis fortrial entry.     

Pilot study of irinotecan/oxalipltin (IROX) combination chemotherapy for patients with gemcitabine- and 5-fluorouracil- refractory pancreatic cancer

Background Gemcitabine- and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)- based chemotherapy is a commonly used adjuvant or palliative treatment for patients with pancreatic cancer. However, a standard chemotherapy regimen has yet to be developed for patients refractory to gemcitabine and 5-FU treatment. We attempted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a combination of irinotecan and oxaliplatin (IROX) as a salvage treatment for patients with gemcitabine- and 5-FU- refractory pancreatic cancer. Patients and Methods Patients with advanced pancreatic cancer who were refractory to prior gemcitabine- and 5-FU- based chemotherapy were enrolled in this study. IROX chemotherapy was administered as follows: Irinotecan, 150 mg/m² on day 1; and oxaliplatin, 85 mg/m² on day 1 over 90 min every 2 weeks. Result From Mar. 2006 to Dec. 2008, a total of 14 patients were administered 50 cycles of chemotherapy. The male-to-female ratio of the patient group was 11:3. These patients ranged in age from 48 to 73 years (median 65.5 years old). 3 patients (21.4%) evidenced partial responses. four patients (28.6%) exhibited stable disease. The median time to progression and overall survival time were 1.4 (95% CI: 1.2–1.6) months and 4.1 (95% CI: 2.0–6.2) months, respectively. Major hematologic toxicities included grade 1–2 anemia (88%), neutropenia (36%), thrombocytopenia (30%), and grade 3–4 neutropenia (10%). The most frequently detected non-hematological toxicities were grade 3 diarrheas (14%). Conclusion The IROX regimen appears to constitute a feasible and tolerable salvage therapy in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer who have been previously treated with gemcitabine- and 5-FU-based chemotherapy.     

A phase II and pharmacokinetic study of 6S-leucovorin plus 5-fluorouracil in patients with colorectal carcinoma

Summary Leucovorin (LV) is commonly used as a modulator of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) cytotoxicity. In patients with colon cancer, the addition of LV to 5-FU improves response rates, and in some trials has improved survival in advanced disease and in the adjuvant setting. Leucovorin is generally administered as a racemic mixture, but the isomers differ substantially in pharmacokinetics and biological activity, with 6S-LV the predominant active component. The current study was undertaken to determine the effect of 6R on the pharmacokinetics of 6S-LV, and to characterize the toxicity and antitumor effect of 5-FU when administered with 6S-LV to patients with advanced colorectal carcinoma. Thirty patients were treated with weekly 5-FU plus high dose 6S-LV. To determine the effects of 6R-LV on the pharmacokinetics of 6S-LV, 20 patients were randomly assigned to receive either 250 mg/m² 6S-LV or 500 mg/m² 6R,S-LV as a 2 hour IV infusion on day –2, and the other preparation on day –1, with pharmacokinetics measured each day. The presence of 6R-LV had no effect on the AUC, Cl_p, C_max, or terminal phase t_1/2 of 6S-LV. The overall response rate was 40% (C.I. 23–60%). The most frequent toxicities were gastrointestinal. In this small cohort, scheduled and delivered dose intensity was positively associated with response (p=0.05). These results show that there is no pharmacokinetic advantage to the use of 6S-LV rather than 6R,S-LV as a modulator of 5-FU.     

5-fluorouracil as a protracted continuous infusion plus irinotecan (CPT-11) in patients with advanced colorectal cancer treated with fluoropyrimidine-based regimens as first line

We carried out a single-center series with the combination of irinotecan (CPT-11) plus protracted 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) infusion as second-line chemotherapy for patients previously treated with a single-agent fluoropyrimidine as monotherapy or in combination with oxaliplatin. Twenty-five patients diagnosed with advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) received CPT-11 300 mg/m2 every 3 weeks plus 5-FU 250 mg/m2/day as a protracted infusion. Results were as follows. Twenty-four of 25 patients were evaluable for response. Two patients achieved a complete response and five a partial response, resulting in an overall response rate of 28%. Disease stabilization was obtained in 10 patients (40%), resulting in a tumor growth control rate of 68% (17 patients) and disease progression in seven (28%). Median progression-free interval was 6 months and median overall survival was 12 months. Neutropenia and diarrhea appeared as the most frequent adverse events, being grade 3/4 in 12 and 16% of patients, respectively. Mucositis, emesis, and hand and foot syndrome were mild. We conclude that protracted 5-FU infusion plus CPT-11 is an active and safe regimen for patients with advanced CRC. A phase III trial comparing this schedule with conventional CPT-11 monotherapy is warranted.     

In Vitro Binding and Partitioning of Irinotecan (CPT-11) and its Metabolite, SN-38, in Human Blood

The binding of CPT-11 and SN-38 to human plasma proteinswas studied by ultrafiltration at 37°C and pH 7.4. In plasma,CPT-11 was 66–60% bound in the range 100–4000ng/ml and SN-38 was 94–96% bound in the range50–200 ng/ml. At these concentrations the plasma bindingof CPT-11 was slightly saturable, but the plasma binding of SN-38was concentration-independent. Albumin was the main carrier ofCPT-11 and SN-38 in plasma. In blood, the binding of CPT-11 wasmoderate (80%), mainly to plasma proteins (47%) anderythrocytes (33%). The binding of SN-38 was high(99%) and most of SN-38 in blood was located in bloodcells (approximately 66%) The simulation of a grade 3hematotoxicity (according to National Cancer Institute's CommonToxicity Criteria grading) on the SN-38 blood distributionyielded an increase in fu (free fraction of drug in plasma) from1.05 to 2.08 and a decrease in C_Bl/C_P from1.66 to 1.14 (both resulting from a decreased cellbinding).     

A Phase II trial of weekly infusional 5-fluorouracil in combination with lowdose leucovorin in patients with advanced colorectal cancer

Exogenous leucovorin is a source of reduced folate which enhances the inhibition of thymidylate synthase that results from 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) administration. Extracellular reduced folate concentrations of 1 M have been reported to yield maximal enzyme inhibition in several cell lines treated with 5-FUin vitro. Clinical studies indicate that low doses of leucovorin have equivalent efficacy to higher doses in successfully modulating 5-FU in the treatment of colorectal cancer. Based on pharmacokinetics at higher doses, steadystate total plasma reduced folate concentrations of 1 M would be expected from the administration of leucovorin 50 mg/m² by 24 h infusion. This dose was admixed with 5-FU 2300 mg/m² and administered by 24 h infusion weekly to 38 patients with advanced colorectal cancer, of whom 32 are evaluable for response. Disease sites included liver (33 patients), lung (12 patients), and bone (4 patients). Toxicity was mild to moderate, except for grade 3 diarrhea in 5 patients, and chest pain in 2 patients. Among the 32 evaluable patients, there were 14 partial remissions for a total response rate of 44% (95% confidence interval 27–61%). The median duration of response was seven (range 1 to 20+) months, and median duration of survival 16 months. These results support the use of low doses of leucovorin to modulate weekly infusional 5-FU in colorectal cancer, and provide a basis for the integration of this regimen with other modulators of 5-FU.     

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.     

伊立替康联合草酸铂、5-氟尿嘧啶、亚叶酸钙治疗晚期胃癌的临床疗效

目的:比较伊立替康联合奥沙利铂和5-氟尿嘧啶、亚叶酸钙(FOLFOXIRI)与奥沙利铂联合CF,5-FU(FOLFOX4)治疗进展期或转移性胃癌的疗效和毒副反应。方法:经病理确诊的进展期或转移性胃癌患者78人,随机分为两组,FOLFOXIRI组36人,FOLFOX6组42人。FOLFOX4方案:L-OHP 85 mg/m2,第1天静滴,CF 200 mg/m2,5-FU 400 mg/m2,静冲,5-FU 600mg/m2,第1,2天,持续静点22h。FOLFOXIRI方案用法:CPT-11 165 mg/m2,L-OHP,CF,5-FU用法同FOLFOX4。结果:FOL-FOXIRI方案与FOLFOX4方案一线治疗进展期或转移性胃癌的缓解率分别为53.07%和28.57%(P=0.028),中位生存期分别为11.8月和9.4月(P=0.321),中位疾病进展时间为6.0月和4.8月(P=0.036)。FOLFOXIRI方案的骨髓毒性和腹泻发生率高于FOLFOX4方案。结论:本研究结果显示FOLFOXIRI方案治疗胃癌近期缓解率高于FOLFOX4方案,不良反应可以耐受,值得更深入系统地进行临床研究。     

Irinotecan (CPT-11) in metastatic colorectal cancer patients resistant to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU): a phase II study

The efficacy and toxicity of irinotecan (CPT-11) 350 mg/m(2) i.v. once every 3 weeks was assessed in 60 patients with advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) showing failure to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) treatment. The overall objective response rate was 13.6% (1 complete response and 4 partial responses) and 25 patients (42.4%) showed stable disease; the median time to disease progression was 4.4 months and the median survival was 10.5 months. The main non-hematological toxicities were alopecia (80.3% of patients), diarrhea (75.0%), and nausea/vomiting (71.7%); neutropenia was the main hematological toxicity. Grade 3 or 4 diarrhea appeared in 21 of 131 cycles (16.1%), whereas grade 3 or 4 neutropenia appeared in 78 cycles (25.0%). In conclusion, the present phase II study confirms that CPT-11 350 mg/m(2) every 3 weeks is active and well tolerated as second-line chemotherapy for CRC in 5-FU resistant patients.     

Phase I/II study of gemcitabine and vinorelbine plus cisplatin in non-small cell lung cancer

Purpose. We determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and efficacy ofgemcitabine plus vinorelbine combined withcisplatin in patients with non-small celllung cancer (NSCLC). Patients and methods. Chemo naive patientswith stage IIIA to IV non-small cell lungcancer received outpatient administrationof gemcitabine 1000 mg/m² andvinorelbine 25 mg/m² intravenously ondays 1 and 8 every 21 days. Doses ofgemcitabine and vinorelbine were escalatedby 250 mg/m² and 5 mg/m²,respectively, at each dose level. Cisplatin was administered at a fixed doseof 50 mg/m² on days 2 and 9. Afterthe MTD was reached, the study wascontinued as a phase II trial. Results. From January 1998 to March 1999, sixty-five patients were enrolled. Thefirst 38 patients participated in the phaseI evaluation. After 130 cycles, thedose-limiting toxicities were neutropenia,stomatitis, asthenia, and hepatotoxicityoccurring at the third and fourth doselevels (doses of gemcitabine/vinorelbine of1500/25 and 1000/30 mg/m²).For the subsequent phase II evaluation, 27additional patients, out of a total of 53,receiving the MTD of gemcitabine andvinorelbine (1000–1250/25 mg/m²)followed (24 hours later) by cisplatin50 mg/m². Thirty one (58%) of 53 assessable patients responded. Objectiveresponse for patients with stages III andIV disease, respectively, were 65% and47%. The median time to progression andthe overall survival time were 9 months(95% CI: 5–12) and 11 months (95 % CI:9–13), respectively. World HealthOrganization toxicity grade 3neutropenia was registered in 28 (54%) of52 assessable patients (2% with febrileneutropenia), and grade 3thrombocytopenia in 15 (29%) patients (4%with bleeding). Nausea/vomiting( grade 2) and asthenia (moderate tosevere) occurred in 24 (46%) and 14 (27%)patients, respectively. Conclusion. Gemcitabine1000–1250 mg/m plus vinorelbine25 mg/m² on days 1 and 8, followed bycisplatin 50 mg/m² 24 hours later, issafe for outpatient administration andactive in patients with NSCLC.     

Phase II trial of fenretinide in advanced renal carcinoma

Summary Purpose: Fenretinide, a synthetic form of retinoid, induced apoptosis even in chemotherapy resistant cell lines. A phase II study was hence conducted to evaluate toxicity and efficacy of fenretinide in metastatic renal cancer. Methods: Eligibility included unresectable or metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC), adequate organ function and Zubrod performance status 2. Prior immunotherapy and a maximum of one prior chemotherapy regimen were allowed. Fenretinide was administered at a dose of 900 mg/m² twice daily orally for 7 days in a 21-day cycle. Toxicity was assessed at the start of each cycle, and response every 2 cycles. Results: Nineteen eligible patients enrolled of which fifteen had visceral/bone metastases. Seventeen patients had prior nephrectomy and 11 had prior immunotherapy. 76 cycles of therapy were delivered. Therapy was very well tolerated with few severe toxicities consisting of thrombosis in 1 individual and grade 3 fatigue, nausea and diarrhea in 1 patient. 5 patients had grade 2 nyctalopia and 3 patients had transient grade 2 visual toxicity. No objective responses were noted. Stable disease was seen in seven of nineteen cases (37%, 90% C.I. 0.21–0.59). Median time to progression was 1.5 months and median duration of stable disease was 5.8 months (90% C.I. 3.0–8.4). Median survival was 10 months. Tumor fenretinide levels were obtained in three patients and were in the lower end of the therapeutic range. Conclusion: Fenretinide was well tolerated but demonstrated minimal activity that was consistent with results of intratumoral drug measurements. Strategies are needed that will increase systemic and tumor levels of fenretinide.Supported in part by NCI Cancer Center Support Grant CA-22453.