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.     

Safety and efficacy of outpatient treatment with CPT-11 plus bolus folinic acid/5-fluorouracil as first-line chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer

The combination of irinotecan (CPT-11), bolus 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and folinic acid (FA) (Saltz regimen) has recently been questioned as first-line chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer after high early death rates due to gastrointestinal and thromboembolic events were reported in two US trials. Therefore, we carefully evaluated the safety and efficacy of this regimen, with high value placed on the management of delayed diarrhea. Forty-six patients with metastatic colorectal cancer received this first-line treatment in nine German outpatient clinics. Dose reductions were mandatory from the first cycle in case of toxicity grade >2. Chemotherapy was administered only to diarrhea-free patients. During a total of 175 cycles administered treatments were delayed for 1 week in 11.6% and given at a reduced dose in 14.5%. All and 40 patients were evaluable for toxicity and response, respectively. Grade 3/4 toxicities included diarrhea (n=10), leukopenia (n=9), neutropenia (n=3) and anemia (n=4). One non-fatal pulmonary embolism occurred. Four complete responses (CR) and 10 partial responses were seen, for an overall response rate of 35%. In addition, 16 patients (40%) had stable disease. Resectability of liver metastases was achieved in three patients, including one pathologically confirmed CR. Median progression-free and overall survival were 5 and 13 months, respectively. We conclude that outpatient treatment with the Saltz regimen was well tolerated. Severe gastrointestinal toxicity and thromboembolic events were rarely observed and never fatal. As down-staging was possible, combinations of CPT-11 and FA/5-FU should be further investigated in neoadjuvant protocols.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Concomitant administration of bevacizumab, irinotecan, 5-fluorouracil, and leucovorin: nonclinical safety and pharmacokinetics

Bevacizumab (Avastin) is a humanized monoclonal antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor approved for use in combination with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-based chemotherapy for first-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. The Saltz regimen (irinotecan/5-FU/leucovorin [LV]) is a first-line treatment for this indication. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety of bevacizumab when administered concomitantly with the Saltz regimen to cynomolgus monkeys, and to determine if the pharmacokinetics of bevacizumab, irinotecan, SN38 (the active metabolite of irinotecan), or 5-FU were affected by combined administration. Male cynomolgus monkeys were intravenously administered the Saltz regimen (125 mg/m2 irinotecan, 500 mg/m2 5-FU, 20 mg/m2 LV) alone (n = 4) or concomitantly with 10 mg/kg bevacizumab (n = 5) on days 1 and 8. All animals survived to euthanasia on day 15. Adverse effects associated with the Saltz regimen included diarrhea and neutropenia. Macroscopically, two animals from each group had small thymus glands that correlated microscopically with lymphoid depletion. Myeloid hypoplasia and/or erythroid hyperplasia was observed in the sternal bone marrow of most animals. These effects were considered to be associated with the Saltz regimen; concomitant bevacizumab administration did not alter the severity of these findings. Irinotecan and 5-FU were observed to be rapidly eliminated (t1/2 = 1 h and 0.5 h, respectively). Although the number of animals in each group was small and no statistical comparison between groups was performed, bevacizumab did not affect the disposition of either agent. These results indicate that bevacizumab can be safely administered in combination with the Saltz regimen without pharmacokinetic interaction.     

依立替康/氟尿嘧啶/亚叶酸三药联用治疗晚期胃癌的临床疗效观察

目的：以紫杉醇／顺铂／氟尿嘧影亚叶酸（TAX／DDP／5-FU／LV）治疗方案为对照,探讨依立替影氟尿嘧啶／亚叶酸（CPT-11／5-FU／LV）联合用药治疗进展期胃癌的疗效和安全性。方法：63例不能手术切除或已有转移的胃癌患者随机分为2组,治疗组：CTP-11 200mg／d,静脉滴注2h,第1天;LV200mg,／d,静脉滴注1h,第1～5天;5-FU 500mg／d,静脉滴注2h,第1—5天;对照组：TAX 180mg／d,静脉滴注2h,第1天;DDP 60mg／d,静脉滴注1h,第3天;LV 200mg／d,静脉滴注1h,第1～5天;5-FU 500mg／d,静脉滴注2h,第1～5天。两组均3周为1个周期,治疗至少2个周期,观察其有效率、生存期和毒副作用。结果：治疗组：可评价病例31例,其中CR0例,PR8例（25．8％）,SD12例（38．7％）,PD11例（35．5％）,总有效率25．8％（8／31）;对照组：可评价病例29例,其中CR 0例,PR 8例（27．6％）,SD 12例（41．4％）,PD 9例（31．0％）,总有效率27．6％（8／29）;两组有效率无显著性差异。治疗组和对照组中位生存期分别为7．7个月和8．3个月,1年生存率分别为34．4％和41．4％,两组比较无显著性差异。毒副作用主要为中性粒细胞下降、肝功能损伤、神经毒性、恶心、呕吐、腹泻等,多表现为Ⅰ、Ⅱ度,治疗组的腹泻发生率显著高于对照组;Ⅲ、Ⅳ度反应主要为中性粒细胞下降及神经毒性,治疗组发生率显著低于对照组。没有出现治疗相关性死亡。结论：CPT-11／5-FU／LV静滴给药是治疗进展期胃癌的有效化疗手段,毒性反应较低,但合理剂量和疗程还需进一步的大样本治疗观察。     

Raltitrexed (tomudex) administration in patients failing multiple prior chemotherapy regimens in advanced colorectal cancer: a pilot study

Purpose: To evaluate efficacy of Raltitrexed, a specificthymidilate synthase inhibitor, in patients with advancedcolorectal cancer (ACC) failing multiple prior chemotherapyregimens (e.g. 5-FU+LV, CPT-11, etc). Methods: 20 patients with ACC; 13 males/7 females,median age 64 (range: 53–69), median Karnovsky PS: 80 (70–90), and sites of metastases; liver: 16, lung: 6, lymph nodes:9, peritoneal: 8 and a life expectancy of at least 3 months,were entered in the present pilot study of Raltitrexedadministration. All patients had progressed after priorchemotherapy with 5-FU+LV and subsequently CPT-11, and somehad received further infusional 5-FU. Raltitrexed wasadministered at a dose of 3 mg/m² i.v. every 21 days. Results: 3 patients obtained stable disease (SID), 15%,with tumor marker decline (CEA, CA-19.9). Time-to-progressionwas 4.8 months (2.2–7) and survival 7.4 months (6.0–7.8).Toxicity was in general not severe and consisted mainly ofmyelosuppression; neutropenia (WHO) grade 2: 45% and grade 3:22%, and anemia grade 1–2: 40%. Conclusion: Response to treatment with Raltitrexed islimited in patients with ACC failing multiple priorchemotherapy regimens, however, a limited percentage ofpatients with SD derived clinical benefit.     

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.     

Dramatic tumor response of bulky liver metastases following treatment with CPT-11 and a chronomodulated 4-day infusion of 5-fluorouracil, folinic acid and oxaliplatin every 2 weeks in a colorectal cancer patient

Three active antitumor agents, i.e. 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), oxaliplatin and CPT-11, are available for the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and have been successfully combined in two-drug regimens. Hence, CRC has become a chemosensitive disease, but the optimal combination of these agents in first-line treatment remains to be determined. We report the first case of the combination of CPT-11 with oxaliplatin, 5-FU and folinic acid (FA) as first-line chemotherapy for a patient with a pre-occlusive sigmoid adenocarcinoma and synchronous bulky liver metastases. CPT-11 was given at 125 mg/m2, prior to the start of a chronomodulated 4-day infusion of oxaliplatin 25 mg/m2/day, 5-FU 800 mg/m2/day and FA 300 mg/m2/day repeated every 2 weeks. The doses could be escalated to 150 mg/m2 for CPT-11 and 900 mg/m2/day for 5-FU. After six cycles of chemotherapy 70% reduction in tumor size was documented in the liver. The primary tumor was no longer detectable by barium enema. The toxicity included three episodes of grade 4 neutropenic fever, and two episodes of severe diarrhea and vomiting with dehydration. A cumulative grade 2 neurosensory toxicity was observed after six cycles. Following surgery of the primary tumor, because of the major hepatic tumor response and of the absence of extra-hepatic metastases, the patient might be registered for a liver transplantation program. This first report of combining the three active agents in CRC every 2 weeks led to a high dose intensity of each agent and was associated with a dramatic tumor response of a very advanced disease in a patient with already altered performance status. The antitumor activity in this patient suggests that a three-drug intensified regimen might be feasible and active. A prospective study appears warranted to further examine the efficacy and toxicity of this therapeutic approach, and to determine whether it may increase the fraction of advanced CRC patients becoming resectable. This aggressive chemotherapy program may contribute to a re-examination of the usefulness of liver transplantation in patients with metastatic CRC confined to the liver.     

Biweekly docetaxel and vinorelbine with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor support for patients with anthracycline-resistant metastatic breast cancer

This phase II trial evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of vinorelbine 25 mg/m2 plus docetaxel 60 mg2/m administered on day 1, every 2 weeks with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor support (G-CSF, 5 microg/kg/day, days 3-7) as primary prophylaxis in patients with histologically confirmed metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and previously treated with anthracyclines in the adjuvant or in the first-line setting. A total of 48 patients received 352 cycles (median 8, range 2-10). All patients were included in the efficacy and safety evaluation on an intent-to-treat analysis. Eight patients (17%) showed a complete response and 14 patients (29%) showed a partial response. Overall response rate was 46% [95% confidence interval (CI) 33-60]. The median duration of response was 10.0 months. With a median follow-up of 18.0 months, the median time to progression was 11.9 months and the median overall survival was 27.1 months. The most frequently reported grade 3/4 hematological toxicity was neutropenia (19% of patients, 4% of cycles). Febrile neutropenia was reported in six patients (13%) and 7 cycles (2%), but no toxic deaths were reported. The most common grade 3/4 non-hematological toxicity was asthenia (17% of patients, 6% of cycles) and nail toxicity (15% of patients, 3% of cycles). In conclusion, biweekly docetaxel plus vinorelbine with G-CSF support is active and well tolerated as chemotherapy for patients with MBC resistant to anthracyclines. G-CSF support is recommended for lowering the incidence and severity of neutropenia and febrile neutropenia.     

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。     

Phase I/II study of irinotecan (CPT-11) and S-1 in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer

A phase I/II study to determine the recommended dose for combination therapy with CPT-11 (irinotecan hydrochloride) and S-1 (tegafur, gimestat and otastat potassium) for advanced or recurrent gastric cancer, and to assess the safety and efficacy of this therapy. In the phase I portion of the study, S-1 was administered from day 1 to 14 at a fixed dose approved in Japan (80 mg/m2/day), and CPT-11 was administered on days 1 and 8, with its dose being escalated to 100 from 80 mg/m2. This regimen was repeated at 3-week intervals. The phase II portion of the study assessed the efficacy and safety of this regimen at the recommended dose determined in the phase I portion of the study. Seven patients were enrolled in the phase I portion of the study. The dose-limiting toxicity was the delay of administration owing to adverse reactions (leucopenia and diarrhea). The maximum tolerated dose of CPT-11 was 100 mg/m2 and the recommended dose was determined to be 80 mg/m2. In the phase II portion of the study, 10 patients with no prior chemotherapy regimen were enrolled. The median number of treatment cycles given was 4.5, the response rate was 20.0% (2/10) in all patients, the tumor control rate stable disease or better response was 60% (6/10) and the mean survival time was 311 days. Major adverse reactions included a decreased hemoglobin level, diarrhea, nausea and anorexia of grade 3 or worse (each occurred in 10% of the patients). Other adverse reactions were slight and well tolerated. The present combination therapy with CPT-11 and S-1 produced a low response rate but a high tumor control rate (stable disease or better response) and slight prolongation of survival time. This is a well-tolerated ambulatory regimen for advanced gastric cancer.     

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。     

Phase I study of the combination of oxaliplatin, irinotecan and continuous infusion 5-fluorouracil in digestive tumors

Oxaliplatin (L-OHP), irinotecan (CPT-11) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) have shown their efficacy in metastatic colorectal cancer. The synergism of these drugs has been demonstrated in vivo and in vitro. The aim of this study was to determine the recommended dose of the triple combination of L-OHP, CPT-11 and CI 5-FU for a further phase II study. Eighteen patients received the study treatment in four dose levels. The male:female ratio was 15:3 and the median age was 51.6 years (range 30-71). The type of tumor was colon in eight patients, rectum in four and other locations in six patients. The treatment was repeated every 2 weeks, at the fixed dose of L-OHP, 85 mg/m, and escalated doses of CPT-11 and 48-h infusion 5-FU of 100/2000, 100/2250, 125/2250 and 150/2250 mg/m. Only one previous treatment for the advanced disease was permitted. Patients received a median of 8 cycles (range 1-26) and a total of 152 cycles were administered. Dose intensity administered at dose level L-OHP 85 mg/m, CPT-11 150 mg/m and 5-FU 2250 mg/m was 95, 92 and 95% for L-OHP, CPT-11 and 5-FU, respectively. One patient in level 2 and one patient in level 4 presented dose-limiting toxicity that was not confirmed in the three required additional patients by level. The anti-tumor activity was assessed in nine patients: seven partial responses, one stable disease and one progressive disease. The maximum-tolerated dose was not reached, and thus the recommended dose for this combination schedule is L-OHP, 85 mg/m, CPT-11, 150 mg/m and 5-FU, 2250 mg/m 48-h continuous infusion, the same doses that were recommended for the drugs when administered in combination therapy of L-OHP + 5-FU or CPT-11 + 5-FU. A phase II study in first-line treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer with this dose regimen is ongoing.     

Chronomodulated chemotherapy with oxaliplatin, 5-FU and sodium folinate in metastatic gastrointestinal cancer patients: original analysis of non-hematological toxicity and patient characteristics in a pilot investigation

OBJECTIVE: Several clinical trials have demonstrated that oxaliplatin is a useful agent in combination with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and folinic acid (FA) for the treatment of patients with colorectal carcinoma. The aims of this pilot study were to evaluate non-hematological toxicity and patient characteristics in gastrointestinal cancer patients treated with chronomodulated chemotherapy consisting of oxaliplatin, 5-FU and sodium folinate. METHODS: Patients with metastatic gastrointestinal cancer received a chronomodulated regimen with oxaliplatin (25 mg/m2), 5-FU (750 mg/m2) and sodium folinate (150 mg/m2). Non-hematological toxicities were evaluated and analyzed in relation to patient characteristics, i.e. age, sex, body weight, body mass index (BMI), body surface area and smoking status. Toxicity was graded according to the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria. RESULTS: The severity of non-hematological toxicity was generally moderate. Grade 4 toxicity was only found in 2 patients with diarrhea (12.5%). The most frequent common adverse events were nausea, Grades 1 - 2 in 13 patients (81.3%), followed by motor neuropathy, Grades 1 - 3 in 11 patients (68.9%). The analyses showed that patient characteristics such as BMI and smoking status were associated with mucositis/stomatitis, vomiting or mood alteration. Furthermore, there was a relationship between smoking status and the overall non-hematological toxicity. Smokers had significantly higher overall toxicity than non-smokers and body mass index correlated significant with overall toxicity. CONCLUSION: The results of this pilot investigation suggest that a chronomodulated regimen with oxaliplatin, 5-FU and sodium folinate has a manageable non-hematological toxicity profile and that toxicity of the chronomodulated schedule studied depends on the patient characteristics. In further investigations, risk factors determining chemotherapeutic toxicity should be considered. Because of the small number of patients in this pilot investigation, the findings need to be confirmed in a larger clinical study.     

Phase I dose-finding study of biweekly irinotecan in combination with fixed doses of 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin, gemcitabine and cisplatin (G-FLIP) in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer or other solid tumors

This phase I trial was initiated based on encouraging clinical data with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)/leucovorin (LV), gemcitabine and cisplatin (G-FLIP) in the therapy of solid tumors. In this trial, G-FLIP has been modified to facilitate outpatient administration and to optimize sequence-dependent synergistic activity. Treatment consisted of biweekly (once every 14 days) cycles of sequential gemcitabine 500 mg/m, irinotecan per dose escalation schedule, bolus 5-FU 400 mg/m and LV 300 mg on day 1 followed by a 24-h 5-FU infusion 1500 mg/m, followed by cisplatin 35 mg/m on day 2. The irinotecan starting dose was 80 mg/m and escalated by 20 mg/m in cohorts of three patients until the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was defined. Twenty-three patients were enrolled (13 men/10 women) with the following cancers: 11 pancreatic, five gallbladder, three squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, one hepatocellular carcinoma, one melanoma, one gastric, and one breast cancer. Median patient age was 63 years (range 44-78) and median Karnofsky performance status (KPS) was 80. Patients received a median of 8 cycles (range 1-16) over five irinotecan dose levels (80, 100, 120, 140 and 160 mg/m). Dose-limiting toxicity consisting of grade 3 nausea/vomiting despite aggressive anti-emetic therapy occurred in one patient at dose level 1 and three patients at dose level 3. Grade 3-4 hematological toxicities per patient consisted of thrombocytopenia (3%), anemia (6%), thrombosis (23%), neutropenia (16%) and neutropenic fever (10%). Of 18 patients evaluable for response, one complete response (pancreatic) and eight partial responses (three gallbladder, two pancreatic, two head and neck, and one breast) were attained. Seven patients had disease stabilization (five pancreatic, one hepatocellular and one gastric) for a median of 16 weeks (range 10-22). Median time to disease progression among all 23 patients enrolled to the phase I portion of the trial was 20.5 weeks (range 4-37). We conclude that G-FLIP is a novel outpatient chemotherapy regimen with acceptable toxicity at the maximum tolerated irinotecan dose of 120 mg/m. The phase II trial of G-FLIP using an irinotecan dose of 120 mg/m for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer is ongoing.     

周剂量CPT-11治疗FOLFOX治疗失败的转移性结直肠癌

目的观察和评价依立替康(CPT-11)联合5-FU/LV治疗FOLFOX治疗失败的转移性结直肠癌的疗效及不良反应。方法入组患者共34例为转移性结直肠癌,经草酸铂及5-FU/LV治疗失败后,予CPT-11 60mg/m2,LV100mg/m2,5-FU 500mg/m2,每周1次,连续3周,每4周重复。患者最多接受6个周期,每例至少2周期化疗后评价疗效。结果全组34病例均可评价。PR为5例,SD为17例,有效率14.7%(95%可信区间3.6%～34.4%),疾病控制率64.7%(95%可信区间46.8%～85.6%),平均TTP为3.5个月(范围1.5～7.5个月)。主要不良反应为白细胞减少,恶心呕吐,手足综合征及延迟性腹泻,其不良反应发生率分别为67.4%(23/34),61.8%(21/34),64.8%(22/34),38.2%(13/34),均无IV度不良反应。结论周剂量伊立替康联合5-FU/LV为草酸铂治疗失败的转移性结直肠癌挽救治疗方案,不良反应轻微,适合于曾经强烈化疗患者。     

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.