Biomedical subjects

F A Greco

Publications and source records attributed to F A Greco.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

PubMed1997

Paclitaxel (1-hour infusion) plus carboplatin in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer: results of a multicenter phase II trial.

This study was performed to determine the activity and toxicity of paclitaxel (Taxol; Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, NJ) given by 1-hour infusion plus carboplatin in the treatment of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer when used in a multicenter, community-based setting. The study population included 100 chemotherapy-naive patientswith stage IIIB or IV non-small cell lung cancer, Karnofsky performance status 70 to 100, measurable disease, and adequate kidney, liver, and bone marrow function. All patients received paclitaxel 225 mg/m2 intravenously by 1-hour infusion followed immediately by carboplatin at a targeted area under the concentration-time curve of 6.0 (Calvert formula). Cycles were repeated every 21 days. Colony-stimulating factors were not used routinely. Thirty-eight (38%) of 100 patients had objective responses (38 [40%] of 94 evaluable patients) to treatment (three complete responses, 35 partial responses). Thirty-two other patients had stable disease at initial re-evaluation. Weight gain during treatment occurred in 47% of those patients with objective response or stable disease. The median survival among all 100 patients was 8 months, with a 1-year survival rate of 42%. Leukopenia was common, but hospitalization for treatment of neutropenia and fever occurred in only 3% of courses. Cumulative peripheral neuropathy occurred consistently, but usually after the third or fourth course; it was severe (grade 3) in only 15% of patients. Other grade 3 and 4 toxicity was uncommon. One patient died as a result of treatment due to sepsis. This large, multicenter, community-based phase II trial demonstrates the efficacy of paclitaxel/carboplatin combination chemotherapy in advanced non-small cell lung cancer. This regimen is relatively well tolerated and when paclitaxel is given by 1-hour infusion, this treatment is easily administered in the outpatient setting.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

A randomized study of etoposide and carboplatin with or without paclitaxel in the treatment of small cell lung cancer.

Small cell lung cancer accounts for 20% to 25% of all lung cancer cases and is initially responsive to combination chemotherapy. However, the majority of patients relapse, and at that point their disease is highly resistant to chemotherapy. The combination of etoposide with either cisplatin or carboplatin is regarded as the standard of care for these patients. Previous studies have documented the activity of paclitaxel (Taxol; Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, NJ) at doses of 135 to 250 mg/m2 administered over 1, 3, or 24 hours as either a single agent or in combination with etoposide and a platinum compound. Studies adding paclitaxel to etoposide/carboplatin (EP) have demonstrated complete responses in both limited and extensive disease, but all have been in single-arm phase II studies. Preliminary data also suggest the possibility of a dose-response curve for the combination. We recently began a randomized phase II/III comparison of the standard EP to EP plus paclitaxel for newly diagnosed patients with limited or extensive small cell lung cancer. Carboplatin in this study is dosed according to area under the concentration-time curve as calculated by the Calvert formula. The study compares EP (carboplatin area under the concentration-time curve of 6 intravenously [IV] over 30 to 60 minutes on day 1, with etoposide 120 mg/m2 IV days 1 to 3) versus EP plus paclitaxel (paclitaxel 200 mg/m2 IV 1-hour infusion on day 1, carboplatin area under the concentration-time curve of 6 IV over 30 to 60 minutes on day 1, and etoposide 50/100 mg orally on alternating days 1 to 10). The design, inclusion criteria, and staging of patients in this study will be presented with initial accrual and patient characteristics. Randomized studies of this type are essential if the true role of this new combination is to be fully evaluated.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Paclitaxel with mitoxantrone with or without 5-fluorouracil and high-dose leucovorin in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer.

Paclitaxel (Taxol; Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, NJ) is a highly active single agent in the treatment of breast cancer. However, its optimal incorporation into combination regimens awaits definition. We added paclitaxel, administered by 1-hour infusion, to a previously described combination regimen that included mitoxantrone, 5-fluorouracil, and high-dose leucovorin. Forty-six patients with metastatic breast cancer received the following regimen as first- or second-line treatment: paclitaxel 135 mg/m2 by 1-hour intravenous infusion on day 1; mitoxantrone 10 mg/m2 by intravenous bolus on day 1; 5-fluorouracil 350 mg/m2 by intravenous bolus on days 1, 2, and 3; and leucovorin 300 mg intravenous over 30 to 60 minutes, immediately preceding 5-fluorouracil on days 1, 2, and 3. Courses were administered at 3-week intervals for a total of eight courses in responding patients. Of 45 assessable patients, 23 (51%) had major responses. Previous chemotherapy, and in particular previous treatment with doxorubicin, did not affect response rate. The median response duration was 7.5 months. Myelosuppression was moderately severe, with 76% of courses resulting in grade 3 or 4 leukopenia. There were four treatment-related deaths, two sepsis, one congestive heart failure, and one sepsis and congestive heart failure, the last two after a large cumulative anthracycline dose. This combination regimen was active as first- or second-line therapy for metastatic breast cancer, although how its activity compares with that of other combination regimens or with paclitaxel alone is unclear. Myelosuppression was more severe than had been anticipated based on previous results with the mitoxantrone/5-fluorouracil/high-dose leucovorin regimen or with single-agent paclitaxel administered at this dose and schedule. The infrequent development of cardiotoxicity in these patients suggests that the paclitaxel/mitoxantrone combination may not share the problems previously reported with paclitaxel/doxorubicin combinations. We have embarked on a phase I/II trial of paclitaxel/mitoxantrone and have determined the maximum tolerated dose to be 200 mg/m2 and 10 mg/m2, respectively, without the use of cytokines. Fifteen patients have been treated at the maximum tolerated dose, and it is too early to assess results.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols↗

PubMed1997

Paclitaxel, carboplatin, and long-term continuous 5-fluorouracil infusion in the treatment of upper aerodigestive malignancies: preliminary results of phase II trial.

We evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of a novel chemotherapy regimen that included paclitaxel (Taxol; Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, NJ), carboplatin, and long-term, continuous-infusion 5-fluorouracil in the treatment of cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract. In the preoperative treatment of patients with localized esophageal cancer, we administered this regimen concurrently with radiation therapy. Thirty-eight patients with biopsy-proven cancers of the head and neck or esophagus entered this trial between January 1996 and November 1996. Patients with head and neck cancers considered curable with local treatment modalities were excluded. All patients received the following chemotherapy regimen: paclitaxel 200 mg/m2 via 1-hour intravenous infusion on days 1 and 21, carboplatin at an area under the concentration-time curve of 6.0 intravenously on days 1 and 21, and 5-fluorouracil 225 mg/m2/d via continuous infusion on days 1 to 42. Patients with localized esophageal cancer also received radiation therapy beginning on day 1 (1.8 Gy/d; total dose, 45 Gy). Patients were re-evaluated at week 6; responding patients received a repeat course of treatment, except for those with localized esophageal cancer, who underwent resection at week 10. Twenty-five of 29 evaluable patients had major responses to treatment. Four of five patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer had complete clinical responses, while eight of 11 patients with metastatic disease responded. All 13 evaluable patients with localized esophageal cancer underwent resection, and nine (69%) had a pathologic complete response. Toxicity was moderate, with brief grade 3/4 leukopenia occurring in 19 patients (66%). Esophagitis occurred in five of 13 patients receiving concurrent chemotherapy and radiation therapy, but was reversible and generally occurred during the last week of radiation therapy. Other grade 3/4 toxicity was uncommon. This novel regimen of paclitaxel, carboplatin, and long-term 5-fluorouracil infusion is feasible and highly active in patients with cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract. It can be used concurrently with radiation therapy before resection for localized esophageal cancer. The high overall response rates, and particularly the high pathologic complete response rates in resected patients with esophageal cancer, are encouraging and warrant further evaluation of this regimen.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

One-hour paclitaxel, carboplatin, and extended-schedule etoposide in the treatment of carcinoma of unknown primary site.

This phase II study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of a novel chemotherapy combination that included paclitaxel (Taxol; Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, NJ), carboplatin, and extended-schedule etoposide for the treatment of patients with carcinoma of unknown primary site. Fifty-five patients were treated with the following regimen, administered every 21 days: paclitaxel 200 mg/m2 by 1-hour intravenous infusion, day 1; carboplatin at an estimated area under the concentration-time curve of 6.0, day 1; and etoposide 50 mg alternating with 100 mg orally, days 1 through 10. The following histologies were included: well-differentiated adenocarcinoma, 30 patients; poorly differentiated carcinoma or poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, 21 patients; poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma, three patients; and squamous carcinoma, one patient. All patients had advanced tumor, and two thirds had two or more organ systems involved with cancer. Twenty-five of 53 evaluable patients (47%) had major objective responses to treatment. Seven patients (13%) had complete responses. Response rates were similar in patients with well-differentiated adenocarcinoma versus poorly differentiated carcinoma (45% and 48%, respectively). Median survival for the entire group was 13.4 months. The regimen was well tolerated, with only seven hospitalizations for treatment of fever associated with neutropenia and no treatment-related deaths. This combination regimen is very active and well tolerated in patients with carcinoma of unknown primary site. Response rates and survival in this multicenter community-based trial appear superior to all previously studied empiric regimens. This regimen is substantially less toxic and easier to administer than the cisplatin-based regimens. Should this efficacy be confirmed in other trials, this treatment should be considered standard initial therapy for patients with carcinoma of unknown primary site.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Paclitaxel, carboplatin, and extended schedule etoposide in the treatment of small cell lung carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Paclitaxel is an active agent in the initial treatment of patients with small cell lung carcinoma. The authors evaluated the toxicity and efficacy of paclitaxel (1-hour infusion) added to a standard combination regimen of carboplatin and etoposide in a Phase II trial for the treatment of patients with small cell lung carcinoma. METHODS: Thirty-eight patients with previously untreated small cell lung carcinoma were treated with a combination regimen including paclitaxel, 135 mg/m2 by 1-hour intravenous (i.v.) infusion, on Day 1; carboplatin at AUC 5, on Day 1; and oral etoposide, 100 mg alternated with 50 mg, on days 1-10. Prior to availability of reimbursement for oral etoposide, 13 patients received etoposide, 25 mg/m2 i.v. on Days 1-5 and 8-12. Treatment courses were repeated every 21 days for a total of 4 courses. Patients with limited stage disease received radiation therapy (4500 centrigray in 25 fractions) concurrently with the last 2 courses of chemotherapy. RESULTS: This combination chemotherapy regimen was easily tolerated. Eleven episodes of Grade 3 or 4 leukopenia occurred in 9 patients (8% of courses); Grade 3 and 4 thrombocytopenia and anemia were also infrequent. Fifteen patients were hospitalized for treatment of fever associated with leukopenia. Concurrent treatment with chemotherapy and radiation therapy was also tolerable, but was more toxic; 6 of 15 patients (40%) developed esophagitis (Grade 3 in 5 patients, Grade 4 in 1 patient), and 45% of all episodes of Grade 3/4 leukopenia occurred during concurrent therapy. Other nonhematologic toxicity was uncommon. Twenty-nine of 38 patients (76%) achieved a partial or complete response to treatment (limited stage, 14 of 15 patients, 93%; extensive stage, 15 of 23 patients, 65%). The complete response rate was 26% (limited stage disease, 40% versus extensive stage disease, 17%). Median actuarial overall survival was 7 months for patients with extensive stage disease, and 17 months for patients with limited stage disease. Prophylactic whole brain irradiation was not used, and seven patients developed brain metastases as their initial site of relapse. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of paclitaxel, administered by 1-hour infusion, carboplatin and extended schedule etoposide is feasible and well tolerated in the doses administered in this Phase II trail. This regimen was highly active with treatment results comparable to other standard regimens. Increased doses of both paclitaxel and carboplatin could probably be tolerated and are currently being evaluated. Precise definition of the role of paclitaxel in the treatment of small cell lung carcinoma awaits the results of randomized studies.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Phase III randomized study to compare interferon alfa-2a in combination with fluorouracil versus fluorouracil alone in patients with advanced colorectal cancer.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy and toxicity profiles of a combination of fluorouracil (5-FU) and recombinant human interferon alfa-2a ([IFN alpha 2a] Roferon-A; Hoffmann-LaRoche, Basel, Switzerland) versus 5-FU alone in the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer (ACC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 245 previously untreated ACC patients were randomized to receive either IFN alpha 2a (9 million IU) subcutaneously (SC) three times weekly with 5-FU (750 mg/m2/d) by continuous intravenous (CIV) infusion on days 1 to 5 and then, after a 1-week hiatus, as a weekly IV bolus at the same dose (IFN/ 5-FU), or 5-FU alone at the same dose schedule (5-FU). RESULTS: There were no significant differences between IFN/5-FU and 5-FU alone in the overall response rate (24% v 17%, P = .2), duration of response (median, 6.4 v 8.1 months), time to response (plateau at 3 months), time to progressive disease ([PD] median, 4.8 v 4.9 months), or survival duration (median, 13.9 v 13.2 months). Toxicity profiles were not statistically different except for constitutional symptoms, which were more frequent and more severe with IFN/5-FU. More patients interrupted treatment for adverse events (AEs) with IFN/ 5-FU (34%) than with 5-FU alone (21%) (P = .03). The number of deaths (mostly unrelated to drug treatment) during the study (8%) was similar with both regimens. CONCLUSION: The combination IFN/5-FU produced a response rate, response duration, and survival duration similar to that of 5-FU alone. The addition of IFN to 5-FU in the doses and schedules used in this study did not provide any further benefit over 5-FU alone and cannot be recommended for patients with metastatic ACC. This study confirms the value of large prospective randomized clinical trials to determine the clinical value of regimens that emerge from smaller single-center phase II studies.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Paclitaxel with mitoxantrone, fluorouracil, and high-dose leucovorin in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer: a phase II trial.

PURPOSE: Paclitaxel is a highly active single agent in the treatment of breast cancer. However, its optimal incorporation into combination regimens awaits definition. In this phase II study, we added paclitaxel, administered by 1-hour infusion, to a previously described combination regimen that included mitoxantrone, fluorouracil (5-FU), and high-dose leucovorin (NFL). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-six patients with metastatic breast cancer received the following regimen as first- or second-line treatment: paclitaxel 135 mg/m2 by 1-hour intravenous (i.v.) infusion on day 1, mitoxantrone 10 mg/m2 by i.v. bolus on day 1, 5-FU 350 mg2/m by i.v. bolus on days 1, 2, and 3, and leucovorin 300 mg i.v. over 30 to 60 minutes immediately preceding 5-FU on days 1, 2, and 3. Courses were administered at 3-week intervals for a total of eight courses in responding patients. RESULTS: Twenty-three of 45 assessable patients (51%) had major responses. Previous chemotherapy, and in particular previous treatment with doxorubicin, did not affect response rate. The median response duration was 7.5 months. Myelosuppression was moderately severe, with 76% of courses resulting in grade 3 or 4 leukopenia. Hospitalization for treatment of fever during neutropenia was required in 13% of courses, and two patients died as a result of sepsis. Two patients developed severe congestive heart failure after a large cumulative anthracycline dose. CONCLUSION: This combination regimen was active as first- or second-line therapy for metastatic breast cancer, although its activity compared with other combination regimens or with paclitaxel alone is unclear. Myelosuppression was more severe than anticipated based on previous results with the NFL regimen or with paclitaxel administered at this dose and schedule as a single agent. The infrequent development of cardiotoxicity in these patients suggests that the paclitaxel/mitoxantrone combination may not share the problems previously reported with the paclitaxel/doxorubicin combination.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Paclitaxel in combination chemotherapy with radiotherapy in patients with unresectable stage III non-small-cell lung cancer.

PURPOSE: The addition of combination chemotherapy to standard radiation therapy has improved treatment for locally unresectable non-small-cell lung cancer. In this phase II study, we evaluated the toxicity and efficacy of a novel chemotherapy regimen that included paclitaxel, cisplatin, and etoposide plus concurrent radiation therapy in this group of patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-three patients with previously untreated, unresectable stage III non-small-cell lung cancer (stage IIIA, 11 patients; stage IIIB, 22 patients) initially received two courses of chemotherapy, which included paclitaxel 135 mg/m2 by 1-hour infusion on day 1, cisplatin 60 mg/m/ intravenously (i.v.) on day 2, and etoposide 100 mg/m2 i.v. on days 1, 2 and 3. On week 6, radiation therapy (60 Gy in 30 fractions) was initiated in conjunction with two additional courses of chemotherapy: paclitaxel 135 mg/m2 i.v. by 1-hour infusion on day 1, cisplatin 5 mg/m2 i.v. on days 2- to 10, and etoposide 25 mg/m2 on days 1 to 10. RESULTS: This combined modality program was feasible and well tolerated by most patients. During the two courses of induction chemotherapy, grade 3 or 4 myelosuppression occurred in only six patients (18%). Esophagitis was common during combined modality therapy (grade 3, 10 patients; grade 4 five patients). Forty-two percent of patients had partial response after two courses of induction therapy, and 82% of patients had an objective response at completion of therapy. Twelve patients (36%) had a complete response. Nineteen patients remain progression-free at a median of 8 months; the median survival time has not been reached. CONCLUSION: This paclitaxel-containing combined modality therapy is feasible and highly active in patients with inoperable stage III lung cancer. Esophagitis is the most common severe toxicity with this program. Further studies with paclitaxel-containing combination regimens in patients with stage III non-small-cell lung cancer are indicated.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Clinical studies with etoposide phosphate.

Over the past few years we have conducted several clinical studies with etoposide phosphate (Etopophos; Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, NJ). A phase I trial initially was performed to determine the maximum tolerated dose and pharmacokinetics. A brief intravenous infusion for 5 consecutive days was given every 3 weeks. Myelosuppression was the dose-limiting toxicity and other toxicities were quite similar to those associated with etoposide. The maximum tolerated dose was 100 mg/m2/d for 5 consecutive days. No cytokine support was used in this phase I trial. Pharmacokinetic studies showed very rapid conversion of etoposide phosphate to etoposide. The kinetics of etoposide phosphate were similar to those expected after a comparable etoposide dose. We subsequently began three additional studies, including a phase II randomized comparison of etoposide phosphate plus cisplatin versus etoposide plus cisplatin in patients with small cell lung cancer, a study of low-dose continuous infusion daily etoposide phosphate, and a high-dose etoposide phosphate trial to determine the maximum tolerated dose given in concert with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. The latter two studies are complete; these data are currently being evaluated. The phase II comparative trial was important and showed unequivocally that the response rate and toxicity with etoposide phosphate plus cisplatin is equivalent to those with etoposide plus cisplatin in patients with small cell lung cancer. In addition, it appears that there was no survival difference between these two treatment arms in this phase II trial of 120 patients. Etoposide phosphate is easier to administer than etoposide and, considering all other factors, including total cost of administration, it is preferable to etoposide for routine clinical use.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Paclitaxel via 1-hour infusion: rationale and pharmacology.

Although the initial choice to evaluate a 3-hour infusion of paclitaxel (Taxol; Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, NJ) was arbitrary, the attenuated schedule has since proven safe and active against several neoplasms. Shorter infusions are easier to administer, particularly in combination chemotherapy and combined-modality therapy, prompting our investigations of 1-hour paclitaxel infusions in more than 500 patients and approximately 2,000 treatment courses. The toxicity, activity, and pharmacology of 1- and 3-hour infusions of paclitaxel appear to be similar. Results of phase II trials document that 1-hour paclitaxel infusions can be administered safely, and notable activity has been seen against several neoplasms, including cancers of the lung, breast, and urothelium, as well as advanced squamous carcinomas and tumors of unknown origin. This report also describes some limited pharmacologic data of 1-hour paclitaxel compared with longer infusions.

Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic↗

PubMed1996

Paclitaxel, carboplatin, and oral etoposide in the treatment of small cell lung cancer.

Paclitaxel (Taxol; Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, NJ) is active in previously untreated patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC). We evaluated the toxicity and efficacy of a 1-hour infusion of paclitaxel added to a combination regimen of carboplatin and etoposide in a phase II trial for the treatment of patients with SCLC. Thirty-eight patients with previously untreated SCLC were treated with paclitaxel 135 mg/m2 (1-hour intravenous infusion), day 1; carboplatin at area under the concentration-time curve of 5, day 1; and oral etoposide 100 and 50 mg (alternating days), days 1 to 10. Treatment cycles were repeated every 21 days for a total of four courses. Patients with limited-stage disease received radiation therapy (4,500 cGy in 25 fractions) concurrently with the last two courses of chemotherapy. This outpatient combination was easily tolerated. Grade 3 or 4 leukopenia was experienced in only 8% of courses; grades 3 and 4 thrombocytopenia and anemia were also infrequent. Nonhematologic toxicity was uncommon, with the exception of transient esophagitis, which occurred in six of 15 patients (grade 3 in five patients, grade 4 in one) receiving concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Of 35 evaluable patients, 29 (83%) achieved a response to treatment. The complete response rate was 29% (40% in patients with limited-stage disease). Median survival was 7 months for patients with extensive-stage disease and 17 months in limited-stage patients. Prophylactic whole brain irradiation was not used, and seven patients developed brain metastases as their initial site of relapse. The combination of 1-hour paclitaxel, carboplatin, and extended oral schedule etoposide is feasible and well tolerated at the doses administered in this phase II trial. This treatment was highly active and the results are comparable to other standard regimens. Increased doses of both paclitaxel and carboplatin could probably be tolerated and are currently being evaluated. Precise definition of the role of paclitaxel in the treatment of SCLC will require randomized studies.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed1996

Paclitaxel via 1-hour infusion: clinical experience.

In phase II trials, paclitaxel (Taxol; Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, NJ) can be safely administered via a 1-hour infusion. One-hour infusions of paclitaxel also have been administered safely in combination with many other cytotoxic regimens, including cisplatin/etoposide/radiation, carboplatin/etoposide (with or without radiation), mitoxantrone/5-fluorouracil/leucovorin, carboplatin, and carboplatin/5-fluorouracil. Notable activity has been seen in patients with several neoplasms, including stages III/IV non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, advanced breast cancer, carcinoma of unknown primary site, urothelial carcinomas, and other advanced squamous cell carcinomas. Further study will determine whether these or similar combinations represent improved therapeutic alternatives.

Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic↗

PubMed1996

One-hour paclitaxel in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.

This review describes studies with two paclitaxel (Taxol; Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, NJ)-containing treatments for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In an ongoing study, 100 patients with previously untreated stage IIIB or IV NSCLC received combination therapy comprised of paclitaxel 225 mg/m2 via 1-hour infusion and carboplatin, dosed to an area under the concentration-time curve of 6.0. Both drugs were given intravenously and cycles were repeated every 21 days. Patients with objective responses or stable disease after two courses continued for a maximum of 10 treatment courses. Of the 100 patients, 36% had an objective response, including three complete responses. An additional 33% had stable disease/minor response. The regimen was well tolerated. Grade 3/4 peripheral neuropathy, which usually appeared during or after the fourth treatment course, was noted in 18% of patients. An earlier study evaluated combined-modality therapy in 33 patients with unresectable stage IIIA or IIIB NSCLC. Two courses of intravenous induction chemotherapy were initially administered (paclitaxel 135 mg/m2 via 1-hour infusion, day 1; cisplatin 60 mg/m2, day 2; and etoposide 100 mg/m2, days 1 to 3). After two courses, radiation therapy was initiated at 1.8 to 2.0 Gy daily (median total dose, 60 Gy). Patients also received chemotherapy concurrent with radiation: paclitaxel 135 mg/m2 over 1 hour on day 1, cisplatin 5 mg/m2 days 2 to 5 and 8 to 12, and etoposide 25 mg/m2 days 1 to 5 and 8 to 12. Cycles were repeated every 21 days. Of the 29 patients who completed therapy, 41% achieved complete responses and 41% had partial responses. Median survival exceeds 14 months, and 30% of patients continue progression free 12 to 29 months after completion of therapy. Grade 3/4 esophagitis was observed in 51% of participants and usually occurred during the final 2 weeks of combined-modality therapy. The combination of paclitaxel and carboplatin is active and well tolerated in patients with advanced NSCLC, and paclitaxel-based combined-modality therapy produced a high rate of complete and partial responses and encouraging survival data. Continued investigation and refinement of these regimens is ongoing.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1995

Etoposide phosphate or etoposide with cisplatin in the treatment of small cell lung cancer: randomized phase II trial.

Etoposide phosphate, a water soluble prodrug of etoposide, has several potential advantages including easier and more rapid administration, avoidance of large fluid loads, and elimination of hypersensitivity reactions and other problems related to the solubilizer. This randomized Phase II study was done to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of etoposide phosphate and etoposide, when used in combination with cisplatin in the treatment of patients with small cell lung cancer. Previously untreated small cell lung cancer patients were randomized to receive cisplatin in combination with molar equivalent does of either etoposide or etoposide phosphate. The patients were evaluated with respect to response rate, time to progression, survival, and toxicity. Response rates with etoposide phosphate and etoposide were 61% (95% confidence interval 55-67%) and 58% (95% confidence interval 52-64%), respectively (P = 0.85). Median time to progression was 6.9 months for patients who received etoposide phosphate and 7.0 months for those with etoposide (P = 0.50). For extensive stage disease patients, median survival with etoposide phosphate was 9.5 months versus 10 months for etoposide (P = 0.93). The corresponding median survivals for patients with limited stage disease were > 16 months and 17 months, respectively (P = 0.62). Myelosuppression was the most common toxicity; Grade 3 and 4 leukopenia occurred in 63% of patients receiving etoposide phosphate compared with 77% receiving etoposide (P = 0.16). The combination of etoposide phosphate and cisplatin is effective in the treatment of small cell lung cancer, and can be administered with acceptable toxicity. This study was not designed to be a formal Phase III comparative trial, but the efficacy and toxicity observed with this regimen were found to be similar to a standard etoposide/cisplatin regimen, using molar equivalent etoposide doses. Etoposide phosphate is preferable to etoposide because it is easier to use.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

PubMed1995

Etoposide: twenty years later.

Since the beginning of its clinical development 20 years ago, etoposide has become an important and widely used agent in clinical oncology. Its integral role in the treatment of germ cell tumors and small-cell lung cancer seems unlikely to diminish in the future, and its use in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and in various high dose regimens will probably continue to increase. Active investigation continues regarding the optimal dose and schedule of etoposide, and it is likely that these investigations will result in further improvement of its clinical activity in patients with sensitive tumor types. Continued clinical investigation may result in the identification of active etoposide containing combination regimens for ovarian cancer, breast cancer, and some of the childhood malignancies. Exciting possibilities for the future include exploration of etoposide in combination with the topoisomerase I inhibitors, as well as the development of drugs to reverse drug resistance. During the next 10 years, the applications and importance of this unique drug will continue to increase.

Drug Administration Schedule↗

PubMed1995

Phase II randomized study of cisplatin plus etoposide phosphate or etoposide in the treatment of small-cell lung cancer.

PURPOSE: This randomized phase II study evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of etoposide phosphate when used in combination with cisplatin in the treatment of small-cell lung cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with previously untreated small-cell lung cancer were randomized to receive cisplatin in combination with either etoposide or etoposide phosphate. Molar-equivalent doses of etoposide and etoposide phosphate were used. Response rate, time to progression, survival, and toxicity were compared. RESULTS: Major response rates with etoposide phosphate and etoposide were 61% (95% confidence interval, 55% to 67%) and 58% (95% confidence interval, 52% to 64%), respectively (P = .85). No significant differences in median time to progression or survival were observed in patients who received etoposide phosphate versus etoposide. Grade 3 and 4 leukopenia occurred in 63% of patients who received etoposide phosphate compared with 77% who received etoposide (P = .16). CONCLUSION: The combination of etoposide phosphate and cisplatin is effective in the treatment of small-cell lung cancer, and can be administered with acceptable toxicity. Although this study was not designed to be a formal comparative trial, the efficacy and toxicity observed with this regimen were found to be similar to a standard etoposide/cisplatin regimen, using molar-equivalent etoposide doses. Because of its greater ease of administration, etoposide phosphate is preferable to etoposide for routine clinical use.

Aged↗

PubMed1995

Paclitaxel by 1-hour infusion: an active drug in metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer.

PURPOSE: Paclitaxel is an active single agent when administered as a 24-hour continuous infusion in the treatment of stage IV non-small-cell lung cancer. We evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of paclitaxel administered by 1-hour infusion in the outpatient setting to patients with stage IV or relapsed non-small-cell lung cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-nine patients with stage IV or relapsed non-small-cell lung cancer were treated with 1-hour infusions of paclitaxel. The first 17 patients received a dose of 135 mg/m2 and the remaining 42 patients received 200 mg/m2. By random assignment, 31 patients received a single-day, 1-hour infusion of paclitaxel, and 28 patients received a 3-day, divided-dose schedule, with each dose administered by 1-hour infusion. Both regimens were repeated every 21 days. All patients received premedication with dexamethasone, diphenhydramine, and cimetidine. Cytokines were not routinely used. RESULTS: Thirteen of 53 assessable patients (25%) had partial responses to treatment. An additional five patients had minor responses. The median survival duration of the entire group was 8 months and the actuarial 1-year survival rate was 33%. Patients who received 200 mg/m2 of paclitaxel had a higher response rate than those who received 135 mg/m2 (31% v 12%, respectively). Six of 16 patients (38%) previously treated with cisplatin-based regimens responded to 200 mg/m2 of paclitaxel. No significant differences in activity were seen when the 1-day and 3-day paclitaxel schedules were compared. Paclitaxel was well tolerated at both doses and schedules, and no severe hypersensitivity reactions occurred. Only 18 of 154 courses (12%) given at 200 mg/m2 resulted in grade 3 or 4 leukopenia. CONCLUSION: Paclitaxel administered by 1-hour infusion is an active and well-tolerated new agent in the treatment of metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer. These results suggest that a paclitaxel dose of 200 mg/m2 is more effective than 135 mg/m2 and can produce responses in patients previously treated with cisplatin-based regimens. Incorporation into combination regimens is indicated.

Adult↗