Dose-dense primary systemic chemotherapy with gemcitabine plus epirubicin sequentially followed by docetaxel for early breast cancer: final results of a phase I/II trial

We recruited 50 patients with T2-4 N0-2 M0 primary breast cancer into a phase I/II study to define the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), efficacy and tolerability of preoperative gemcitabine (1250 mg/m fixed dose) plus epirubicin (doses escalated from 90 mg/m) for 5 cycles followed by 4 cycles of docetaxel (scheduled fixed dose 100 mg/m) given on day 1 every 2 weeks (q2w) with pegfilgrastim support. The MTD for epirubicin was 100 mg/m, but the docetaxel dose had to be reduced to 80 mg/m. Dose-limiting toxicities included fatigue, stomatitis, diarrhea and dyspnea (all grade 3) during gemcitabine plus epirubicin, and fatigue (grade 3) and allergic reaction (grade 4) during docetaxel treatment, respectively. A pathologic complete response could be achieved in 13 patients (pT0+pTis, 26%), and in the breast and axilla in 12 patients [(pT0 or pTis)+pN0, 24%). Breast-conserving surgery (BCS) was possible in 35 patients (70%). Main grade 3/4 adverse events at MTD were fatigue (57/0%), leukopenia (27/8%), and liver (14/0%) and lung toxicity (14/0%). In conclusion, gemcitabine plus epirubicin 1250/100 mg/m q2w followed sequentially by docetaxel 80 mg/m q2w is highly effective as pre-operative chemotherapy with manageable toxicity. However, response and BCS rates could not be increased by administering gemcitabine plus epirubicin and docetaxel in a dose-dense fashion.     

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with low dose of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin plus weekly paclitaxel in operable and locally advanced breast cancer

To determine the activity and safety of a schedule with a low dose of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) and weekly paclitaxel in operable and locally advanced breast cancer patients. Thirty-five patients with histologically confirmed, operable, and locally advanced breast cancer entered the study. The median age was 59 years (range 31-74 years). The schedule was biweekly PLD at the dose of 15 mg/m for four administrations and weekly paclitaxel at the dose of 80 mg/m for eight administrations. All patients were evaluable for response and toxicity. Twenty-six patients responded (74%): three (8%) had a complete response and 23 (66%) had a partial response, seven (23%) remained stable, and one experienced progression (3%). Fifteen of 27 operable patients (55%) underwent conservative surgery. Three patients (9%) had a pathological complete response and the disappearance of infiltrating disease was documented in three other patients. The main toxicity was hand-foot syndrome (grade 3 in four patients; 11%). Other nonhematological grade 3 toxicities included stomatitis in three patients (8%) and liver toxicity in one patient (3%). Grade 3-4 neutropenia was documented in another three patients and dose reduction was necessary in two patients. The fourth administration of PLD was suspended in four patients for grade 2-3 hand-foot syndrome. No symptoms were related to impairment of cardiac function and no death related to toxicity occurred. The combination of biweekly PLD and weekly paclitaxel was active in operable and locally advanced breast cancer with a manageable safety profile.     

A randomized phase II trial comparing preoperative plus perioperative chemotherapy with preoperative chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced breast cancer

The aim of this study was to investigate in a randomized trial the activity of perioperative chemotherapy in patients treated with preoperative chemotherapy for locally advanced breast cancer and to compare it with the preoperative chemotherapy alone. Patients with cT2-3 N0-2 M0 histologically proven breast cancer, with estrogen receptors and progesterone receptors in less than 20% of cells, or with absence of progesterone receptors, received epirubicin 25 mg/m days 1 and 2, cisplatin 60 mg/m day 1, and fluorouracil 200 mg/m daily as continuous infusion. Responding patients were randomized to continue fluorouracil until 2 weeks after surgery (perioperative chemotherapy) or to stop fluorouracil 1 week before surgery. Fifty-eight patients completed six courses of epirubicin, cisplatin and fluorouracil, and were randomized to perioperative chemotherapy (29 patients) or to control (29 patients). The median Ki-67 index remained stable (32-27.5%) in the perioperative chemotherapy arm (P=0.3) and decreased from 55 to 22.5% in the control arm (P=0.01). The rate of pathological complete remission was 41% in both arms (P=1.0). No significant difference in terms of disease-free survival and overall survival was observed between the two arms. Perioperative chemotherapy failed to show an increase in the pathological complete remission rate. A biological effect on Ki-67 expression was demonstrated.     

Phase I clinical trial of doxorubicin and iproplatin combination chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer

Summary Forty-eight patients with advanced breast cancer were treated in a disease-specific phase I trial of doxorubicin and iproplatin combination chemotherapy. The doses of doxorubicin ranged between 30 and 50 mg/m₂, and the doses of iproplatin ranged between 150 and 250 mg/m₂. Myelosuppression was observed at all levels, but was dose-limiting at the highest level. In addition, nausea, diarrhea and malaise were prominent toxicities. Neither cardiac nor renal toxicity was encountered. Nine of 26 (35%) of previously untreated patients, and 5 of 22 (23%) previously treated patients demonstrated partial or complete responses. Although this combination possesses therapeutic activity, given its toxicities, further evaluation of doxorubicin in combination with iproplatin is not recommended.     

Weekly docetaxel in patients with pretreated metastatic breast cancer: a phase II trial

Docetaxel has consistently demonstrated its high activity as an antineoplastic agent in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. However, 90% of patients receiving the recommended dose of 100 mg/m2 every 3 weeks will develop grade 3 or 4 neutropenia. Recent data suggest that the safety profile of a weekly docetaxel regimen compared favorably with the standard 3-week schedule. Thus, we initiated a phase II study to assess the efficacy and toxicity of weekly docetaxel in pretreated patients with metastatic breast cancer. Twenty patients with advanced, anthra-cycline-refractory breast cancer were included in this phase II trial. Docetaxel was administered at a starting dose of 40 mg/m2, repeated once a week for 3 consecutive weeks followed by a 1-week rest period (1 cycle). Patients were evaluated for tumor response every 8 weeks (after every other cycle). Therapy was continued for a maximum of six courses in patients showing tumor response or stable disease. Twenty patients received a total of 204 weekly infusions of docetaxel. The mean number of treatments was 10.2 (range 1-18). Eighteen patients were assessable for response. Five patients achieved a partial response and six patients showed either stable disease or a minor response. Seven patients had disease progression. The median survival was 7.8 months. Grade 3/4 leukopenia occurred in two patients. No other grade 3 or 4 hematologic toxicities were observed. The following grade 3/4 non-hematologic toxicities were seen: nausea/vomiting (one patient), infection (one patient), mucositis (two patients) and diarrhea (one patient). Three patients withdrew from the study due to dose-limiting toxicities (one due to severe neutropenia and two due to mucositis). We conclude that administration of docetaxel at a dose of 40 mg/m2 was effective and well tolerated even in heavily pretreated patients with metastatic breast cancer. This regimen is associated with only mild myelosuppression.     

Phase I study of liposomal doxorubicin and oxaliplatin as salvage chemotherapy in advanced ovarian cancer

Oxaliplatin (L-OHP) and stealth pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) have been shown to be active in pre-treated advanced ovarian cancer (PAOC). The aim of this phase I study was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of L-OHP, combined with fixed doses of PLD as salvage treatment of PAOC. Twenty patients with recurrent ovarian cancer previously treated with two (30%) or three lines (70%) of chemotherapy were entered into the trial. Patients had a median age of 64 years (52-77) and a median platinum-free interval of 13 months (range 6-35). Patients received a fixed dose of PLD 40 mg/m2, combined with escalating doses of L-OHP from 80 to 130 mg/m2 administered in 1 day, every 3 weeks. Dose escalation was interrupted if 30% or more patients of a given cohort (three patients) exhibited dose-limiting toxicity in the first treatment cycle. The MTD of L-OHP was 130 mg/m2 as two out of three patients of this cohort showed dose-limiting thrombocytopenia and/or neutropenia during the first cycle of treatment. Amongst 20 evaluable patients, we observed an overall response rate of 55% (95% confidence interval 31.5-76.9%). With a median follow-up of 12 months (3.4+/-19.2), median time to progression was 9.7 months, while median survival was not reached yet. We conclude that a combination of PLD and L-OHP has a manageable toxicity profile, and can be safely administered as outpatient chemotherapy for heavily pre-treated patients with relapsed ovarian cancer. Promising anti-tumor activity was observed.     

A phase I/II trial of celecoxib with chemotherapy and radiotherapy in the treatment of patients with locally advanced oesophageal cancer

Summary Background: The study's aim was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of celecoxib combined with chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for locally advanced oesophageal cancer (OC). Methods: CRT comprised of 5FU (1000 mg/m²/day, days 1–4, weeks 1 & 5), cisplatin (75 mg/m², days 1 & 29) and radiotherapy (50 Gy in 25 fractions or 50.4 Gy in 28 fractions). Celecoxib was given daily during CRT at one of five doses (200 mg bd to 600 mg bd). Three to six patients were assigned per dose. Results: Thirteen patients were recruited before trial closure due to external safety concerns regarding celecoxib. Median follow up was 17 months (95% CI 9 – >39). The highest administered dose was 400 mg bd (n=4) with one dose-limiting toxicity at this level: grade 3 rash. Five (38%) and 8(62%) patients had grade 3 non-haematological and haematological toxicities respectively. No grade 4 toxicities occurred. Radiological response rate was 54% (n=7: all CR). Six patients had resection with one pathological CR. Median progression-free and overall survival were 8.8 (95% CI 5.1 – >24.8) and 19.6 months (95% CI 7.3 – >39) respectively. Conclusions: A MTD was not reached. The regimen was tolerable, indicating that celecoxib can be safely administered with CRT for locally advanced OC. This trial has been presented in part at the American Society of Clinical Oncology Gastrointestinal Symposium January 2006.     

Phase I trial of gemcitabine, doxorubicin and cisplatin (GAP) in patients with advanced solid tumors

A phase I study was conducted to determine the recommended phase II dose, safety profile and anti-tumor activity of a combination regimen of gemcitabine, doxorubicin and cisplatin (GAP). Gemcitabine (G) and doxorubicin (A) were administered on days 1 and 8 at increasing doses (starting level 800 and 15 mg/m, respectively). Cisplatin (P) was given at a fixed dose of 50 mg/m2 (day 1). Treatment cycles were repeated every 3 weeks. Nineteen patients received 76 cycles of treatment. A and G were escalated up to 20 and 1000 mg/m2, and finally de-escalated to 15 and 800 mg/m2. The dose-limiting toxicity was neutropenic fever that was observed in 21% of the patients. Non-hematological toxicities included mild/moderate nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and fatigue, observed in 58, 37, 21 and 95% of the patients, respectively. Of 19 patients with evaluable disease, six patients had a partial response yielding an overall response rate of 31.6 % (95% confidence interval 12.6-56.6%) by intention-to-treat. We conclude that GAP is an active and tolerable treatment combination, with minimal visceral organ toxicities.     

吉西他滨联合多西他赛治疗蒽环类耐药性晚期乳腺癌的临床观察

目的 观察吉西他滨联合多西他赛治疗耐药性乳腺癌的近期疗效及不良反应.方法 2008年6月至 2012 年 3月对27例耐药性晚期乳腺癌采用吉西他滨1 000 mg/m2静脉滴注第1天、第8天;多西他赛75 mg/m2静脉滴注1 h,第1天;21 d为1个周期,连用2个周期后评价疗效和不良反应.结果 27例均完成2周期以上化疗,均可评价,其中5例完全缓解,13例部分缓解,6例稳定,3例进展,总有效率为66.7%.主要不良反应为胃肠道反应、骨髓抑制、皮疹,均可耐受.结论 吉西他滨联合多西他赛治疗蒽环类耐药性晚期乳腺癌的近期疗效较好,不良反应可以耐受,值得进一步临床研究.     

Primary systemic therapy with intermittent weekly paclitaxel plus gemcitabine in patients with stage II and III breast cancer: a phase II trial

The purpose of this study was to evaluate pathologic complete response (pCR) rates and adverse events with primary systemic therapy (PST) of intermittent weekly paclitaxel and gemcitabine in patients with stage II and III breast cancer. Node-positive patients with stage II and III breast cancer received paclitaxel 80 mg/m² followed by gemcitabine 1,200 mg/m² on day 1 and day 8, every 3 weeks for four cycles. Postoperatively, four cycles of doxorubicin 60 mg/m² and cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m² every 3 weeks were given. Of 44 enrolled patients, 73% had stage III breast cancer with 68% hormone-receptor positive and 41% HER2 positive tumors. Eight patients achieved pCR in primary tumors (18%), 11 in axillary nodes (25%), and five in both tumor and axillary nodes (11%). Breast conservation was possible in 28 patients (64%). Grade III/IV toxicities were neutropenia (57%), leukopenia (14%), febrile neutropenia (2%), and headache (2%). In conclusion, PST with intermittent weekly paclitaxel and gemcitabine in patients with stage II/III breast cancer is both well tolerated and effective, showing 18% pCR rate in the breast.     

Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin and mitomycin C in combination with infusional 5-fluorouracil and sodium folinic acid in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer: results of a phase II trial

Mitomycin C (MMC) in combination with infusional 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is a well-tolerated active combination therapy for advanced gastric cancer. Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (Caelyx) has been combined with this regimen in a phase I study exhibiting promising activity in patients with upper gastrointestinal tumors. In the present study, we investigated activity and tolerability of this three-drug regimen in patients with gastric cancer. Patients with advanced or metastatic gastric cancer were recruited to receive weekly infusional 5-FU (2000 mg/m2) mixed with sodium folinic acid (FA; 500 mg/m2) in one pump (days 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 36). On days 1 and 29, Caelyx (20 mg/m2) was given as a 1-h, and MMC (7 mg/m2) was applied as bolus injection on days 8 and 36. Treatment courses were repeated on day 57. Twenty-seven patients with a median age of 66 years were recruited in a single center; 56% had histologically proven peritoneal carcinomatosis and 26 patients are evaluable for toxicity. Common Toxicity Criteria of the National Cancer Institute grade 3 toxicity was recorded in 34% of the patients (anemia 12%, leukocytopenia 8%, febrile neutropenia 4%, thrombocytopenia 12%, nausea 15%, diarrhea 8% and mucositis 4%). One patient developed hemolytic-uremic syndrome. One complete (5%) and eight partial responses (42%) were observed in 19 patients evaluable for response according to WHO criteria. Seven patients had no change (37%) and three (16%) progressive disease. Six patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis not amenable to WHO response assessment had progression-free intervals between 8 and 21 months. Median survival for all patients was 14.7 months and median time to progression was 8.4 months. We conclude that this new three-drug combination regimen yields a promising overall response rate (47%) in patients with gastric cancer despite the inclusion of a majority of elderly patients at moderate or high risk of death in this trial. Its safety and good tolerability as established in the phase I trial was confirmed.     

Phase II trial of liposomal encapsulated doxorubicin in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma

Summary Fourteen patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma were treated on a phase II trial with liposomal encapsulated doxorubicin (Lipodox, LED). None of the fourteen evaluable patients achieved a complete or partial response. Myelosuppression was the most common toxicity and no cardiac toxicity was evident. Seventynine percent (11 of 14) of patients experienced grade III or IV neutropenia. In summary, LED did not show antitumor activity in the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma.     

多西紫杉醇联合顺铂治疗晚期乳腺癌31例临床观察

目的观察多西紫杉醇联合顺铂方案治疗晚期乳腺癌的临床疗效和不良反应。方法晚期乳腺癌31例,其中包括既往应用蒽环类药物治疗18例,非蒽环类药物化疗13例。用多西紫杉醇75mg／m^2,第1天静滴,顺铂25mg／m^2。第1～3天静滴,21天为1周期,2周期后评价疗效。结果31例中CR3例,PR14例,总有效率为54．84％。主要不良反应为骨髓抑制、恶心呕吐和脱发,但均可耐受。结论多西紫杉醇联合顺铂治疗晚期乳腺癌疗效确切,副作用较轻可耐受。     

Filgrastim-mediated neutrophil recovery in patients with breast cancer treated with docetaxel and doxorubicin

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To study the impact of filgrastim 5 microg/kg given once/day through absolute neutrophil count (ANC) recovery on the duration of grade 4 neutropenia (ANC < 0.5 x 10(3)/mm3) and time to ANC recovery. Additional objectives were to study the average number of filgrastim injections/cycle required to achieve ANC recovery and differences in outcome by cycle. DESIGN: Combined analysis of two double-blind, randomized, multicenter trials. PATIENTS: Two hundred twenty-two patients treated for breast cancer. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: All patients but one were evaluable for efficacy end points. Mean +/- SD duration of grade 4 neutropenia was 1.7 +/- 1.3 days in cycle 1; the duration decreased in cycles 2-4 to between 1.0 and 1.2 days. Fifty percent of patients had ANC recovery to 10 x 10(3)/mm3 or greater by day 11 of the cycle, and 90% by day 13, corresponding to 10 and 12 days of filgrastim administration, respectively. Across all cycles, the mean +/- SD number of filgrastim injections/cycle was 10.51 +/- 1.70, with little variation among cycles. CONCLUSION: When filgrastim is administered as recommended, starting 24 hours after chemotherapy and continuing through an ANC of 10 x 10(3)/mm3 or greater, neutrophil recovery is rapid and predictable. Because the first cycle of chemotherapy has the highest rates of neutropenia and febrile neutropenia, it seems prudent to administer growth factor support preemptively.     

多西紫杉醇联合顺铂治疗晚期乳腺癌31例临床观察

目的 观察多西紫杉醇联合顺铂方案治疗晚期乳腺癌的临床疗效和不良反应.方法 晚期乳腺癌31例,其中包括既往应用蒽环类药物治疗18例,非蒽环类药物化疗13例.用多西紫杉醇75mg/m2,第1天静滴,顺铂25mg/m2,第1～3天静滴,21天为1周期,2周期后评价疗效.结果 31例中CR3例,PR 14例,总有效率为54.84%.主要不良反应为骨髓抑制.恶心呕吐和脱发,但均可耐受.结论 多西紫杉醇联合顺铂治疗晚期乳腺癌疗效确切,副作用较轻可耐受.     

Gemcitabine plus dose-escalated epirubicin in advanced breast cancer: results of a phase I study

Gemcitabine has shown single-agent activity in metastatic breast cancer. Epirubicin is also widely used for the adjuvant and treatment of metastatic breast cancer. The toxicity profiles and modes of action are different which provides a good rationale for studying both drugs in combination. In a phase I study gemcitabine at a fixed dose of 1000 mg/m2 on days 1, 8, 15 of a 28 day cycle was combined with escalated weekly doses of epirubicin starting with an initial dose of 10 mg/m2. Patients had stage IV metastatic disease without previous chemotherapy except as adjuvant treatment. Nineteen patients were included in the study which defined the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of epirubicin at 20 mg/m2. Myelosuppression was the dose limiting toxicity with leucopenia WHO grade 3 and 4 in 40.0% and 20.0%, neutropenia WHO grade 3 and 4 without neutropenic fever in 20.0% and 40.0% and thrombocytopenia WHO grade 4 in 20.0%. At the epirubicin 15 mg/m2 dose level, leucopenia (11.1% WHO grade 3) and neutropenia (12.5 and 37.5% WHO grade 3 and 4) were reported. Symptomatic toxicity was generally mild: nausea/vomiting in about 20% of patients (WHO grade 3 or 4) on both 15 and 20 mg/m2 epirubicin dose levels. Alopecia WHO grade 3 and 4 was seen in 2 patients at MTD. Four of 19 evaluable patients had a partial response. We conclude that the combination of gemcitabine and epirubicin is well tolerated and has promising activity. A phase II study is underway with gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 and epirubicin 15 mg/m2 on days 1, 8 and 15 of a 28 day cycle.