A randomized phase II study investigating the addition of the specific COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib to docetaxel plus carboplatin as first-line chemotherapy for stage IC to IV epithelial ovarian cancer, Fallopian tube or primary peritoneal carcinomas: the DoCaCel study.

BACKGROUND: In ovarian cancer, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) overexpression is prognostic for poor survival. We investigated the efficacy of celecoxib (C), a selective COX-2 inhibitor, added to docetaxel (Taxotere)/carboplatin (DC) in advanced ovarian cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a phase II, randomized study, 400 mg celecoxib b.i.d. was added to first-line DC treatment (DCC). Celecoxib was to be continued after DC termination up to 3 years. Study end points were tolerability, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: 151 of 196 eligible patients were diagnosed with stage IIIC/IV disease. Median follow-up for patients alive was 32.3 months. Celecoxib was used during a mean of 8.5 months. Twenty-three of 97 DCC patients stopped celecoxib prematurely, mainly due to skin reactions. Complete biochemical response was achieved in 51/78 DC patients (65%) versus 57/78 DCC patients (75%, not significant). In both study arms, median PFS was 14.3 months and median OS 34 months. COX-2 was expressed in 82% of 120 tumor samples retrospectively recovered. The PFS and OS of patients with intermediate/high COX-2 expression were similar to that in the other patients. CONCLUSION: Celecoxib did not influence PFS and OS, but interpretation of results is hampered by premature celecoxib discontinuation.

Implementation of trastuzumab in conjunction with adjuvant chemotherapy in the treatment of non-metastatic breast cancer in the Netherlands.

Trastuzumab in conjunction with adjuvant chemotherapy markedly improves outcome. In the Netherlands, a national guideline was released in September 2005 stating that trastuzumab should be given in conjunction with adjuvant chemotherapy in women with HER2-positive breast cancer. Aim of this study was to identify the number of women with HER2-positive breast cancer and to evaluate the level of implementation of adjuvant trastuzumab in clinical practice nationwide. Women diagnosed with primary breast cancer between September 2005 and January 2007 were selected from the Netherlands Cancer Registry (NCR). HER2 status, adjuvant treatment and reasons to withhold trastuzumab were registered. 14,934 Breast cancer patients were diagnosed in this period of whom 1,928 (13%) had a HER2-positive tumour. Of all HER2-positive women receiving adjuvant chemotherapy, 66 (6%) did not receive trastuzumab. This percentage decreased from 10% at the time of introduction of the guideline to 4% in the study period September 2005-December 2006. Most common reasons to withhold trastuzumab were cardiovascular disease (29%) and patient refusal (21%). Of all HER2-positive patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy, 94% received trastuzumab. The implementation of trastuzumab in clinical practice was realized within 8 months after introduction of the new guideline.

The clinical trail of TRAIL.

The naturally occurring tumour necrosis factor related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) induces apoptosis through two death receptors, death receptor 4 (DR4) and death receptor 5 (DR5), that are expressed on the cell membrane. Binding of the ligand to the death receptors leads to activation of the extrinsic apoptosis pathway. Chemotherapy on the other hand stimulates the intrinsic apoptosis pathway via activation of p53 in response to cellular damage. Many cancer cells have mutations in p53 causing resistance to chemotherapy-induced apoptosis. Concomitant signalling through the extrinsic pathway may overcome this resistance. Moreover, enthusiasm for TRAIL as an anticancer agent is based on the demonstration of rhTRAIL-induced selective cell death in tumour cells and not in normal cells. In this review, we provide an overview of the TRAIL pathway, the physiological role of TRAIL and the factors regulating TRAIL sensitivity. We also discuss the clinical development of novel agents, i.e. rhTRAIL and agonistic antibodies, that activate the death receptors.

[The role of trastuzumab in mammary carcinoma in The Netherlands]. / De plaats van trastuzumab bij het mammacarcinoom in Nederland.

Trastuzumab is the first humanised monoclonal antibody to demonstrate activity in patients with HER2/neu-positive breast cancer. It has taken almost 20 years of research from the first description of HER2/neu as an unfavourable prognostic factor until the development of a clinically applicable antibody that has now shown convincing activity in the adjuvant setting: not only progression-free survival (HR: 0.48-0.54) but also distant disease-free survival (HR: 0.47-0.49) and overall survival (HR: 0.41-0.67) were improved after four years. It is a good thing, therefore, that shortly after the publication of these striking results, the specialists concerned have designated trastuzumab in combination with chemotherapy as the standard adjuvant treatment for patients with HER2/neu-positive rumours. This decision anticipates the formal registration for this indication and the rules for reimbursement. Nevertheless, this effective form of treatment may not be withheld from the patients concerned in the Netherlands merely on formal grounds, since there can be no doubt as to the indication.

A double-blind placebo-controlled study with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor during chemotherapy for ovarian carcinoma.

In a placebo-controlled double-blind dose-finding trial, 15 patients with ovarian cancer stage III or IV received daily s.c. 1.5, 3, or 6 micrograms/kg recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). At each dose step three patients received recombinant human GM-CSF, and two received placebo. Chemotherapy comprised 6 cycles of carboplatin, 300 mg/m2, and cyclophosphamide, 750 mg/m2, by i.v. bolus on day 1 every 4 weeks. GM-CSF, given on days 6-12 on an outpatient basis, raised the mean leukocyte count on days 7, 10, and 15 and the mean neutrophil count on days 7 and 10 at all dose levels as compared with the control group. Neutrophil counts of less than 0.5 x 10(9)/liter occurred in 20 of 22 cycles in the control group and in 5 of 17 cycles at the 6-micrograms/kg/day GM-CSF dose level (P less than 0.0005). In comparison with the control group, the mean eosinophil count was higher on days 10 and 15 at all GM-CSF doses, as was the mean monocyte count on day 15. The mean platelet count was raised at the 3- and 6-micrograms GM-CSF doses on days 15 and 22. Chemotherapy dose reduction or postponement due to myelotoxicity occurred in 9 of 28 cycles in the placebo groups versus 5 of 44 cycles in the GM-CSF group (not significant). Local skin infiltrates at the GM-CSF injection sites occurred in 8/9 patients, leading to premature removal of two patients from the study. Capillary leakage of 131I-albumin was increased in all patients 5 days after the first chemotherapy course but was not significantly affected by 4 days of GM-CSF treatment. Tumor necrosis factor alpha and C-reactive protein serum levels increased during GM-CSF administration at the 6-micrograms dose level, but interleukin 6 serum levels were not affected. We conclude that a dose of 3 and 6 micrograms/kg/day GM-CSF reduces the severity of neutropenia and thrombocytopenia after carboplatin-cyclophosphamide. This GM-CSF dose does not induce additional capillary leakage.

Pharmacokinetics of recombinant human interleukin 3 administered subcutaneously and by continuous intravenous infusion in patients after chemotherapy for ovarian cancer.

Twenty chemotherapy-naive patients with ovarian carcinoma received 1, 5, 10, or 15 micrograms/kg/day (five patients per dose step) of recombinant human interleukin 3 (rhIL-3) over 7 days after carboplatin/cyclophosphamide in Cycles 1 and 3. Patients received rhIL-3 by continuous i.v. infusion or once daily s.c. injection in Cycle 1 and the alternate route in Cycle 3. Plasma rhIL-3 samples were obtained once daily on Days 1 to 6 and serially over a 24-h period on Day 7 for pharmacokinetic assessment of s.c. and i.v. administered rhIL-3 in 16 and 17 patients, respectively. Concentrations were assayed by a time-resolved fluorescence sandwich immunoassay. Pharmacokinetic parameters were derived by noncompartmental methods. Mean steady-state concentrations during continuous i.v. infusion ranged from 117 pg/ml (1 microgram/kg/day) to 2217 pg/ml (15 micrograms/kg/day) and were linearly related to dose (r = 0.87, P < 0.001). When dose normalized, the mean steady-state concentrations were comparable at all doses. The total-body clearance was approximately 4 to 5 ml/min/kg. Elimination half-life (t1/2 i.v.) could be assessed for the 5- to 15-micrograms/kg/day dose levels and was 53, 41, and 26 min for the 5-, 10-, and 15-micrograms dose levels, respectively (not significant between dose levels). Following s.c. injection, the maximum rhIL-3 plasma concentration ranged from 206 pg/ml (1 microgram/kg/day) to 6930 pg/ml (15 micrograms/kg/day). Both the maximum measured plasma concentration (r = 0.89, P < 0.0001) and the area under the plasma concentration/time curve (r = 0.93, P < 0.0001) were related to dose. Dose-normalized values were comparable over the entire dose range. Elimination t1/2s.c. was 4.8 h at the 1-microgram dose level and roughly half this time for the 5- to 15-micrograms/kg/day dose levels. The systemic clearance of approximately 5 to 6 ml/min/kg was comparable at all dose levels. Based on trough levels of the 7-day s.c. course, no rhIL-3 accumulation occurred. Bioavailability of s.c. administered rhIL-3 was nearly 100%. No correlation between creatinine clearance and pharmacokinetic parameters of rhIL-3 could be demonstrated. Since there was also no difference in hematological efficacy between the two routes of rhIL-3 administration, we conclude that the s.c. route of administration appears to have no disadvantages over the i.v. route and may facilitate its clinical application.

High-dose cyclophosphamide or melphalan with escalating doses of mitoxantrone and autologous bone marrow transplantation for refractory solid tumors.

As the dose-limiting toxicity of mitoxantrone is hematological, the drug is suitable for dose escalation and use in intensive chemotherapy followed by autologous bone marrow rescue. Adult patients with therapy-resistant solid tumors received a regimen of high-dose cyclophosphamide (7 g/m2) and escalating doses of mitoxantrone in dose steps of 30, 45, 60, and 75 mg/m2. Both drugs were given i.v. on 3 consecutive days. Despite the addition of mesnum (3.5 to 7 g/m2), hemorrhagic cystitis occurred on the second day in four of eight patients, irrespective of the mesnum or mitoxantrone dose. Therefore, the cyclophosphamide in the combination regimen was replaced by high-dose melphalan (180 mg/m2). Mucositis was dose limiting at 75 mg/m2 of mitoxantrone. Responses were seen in eight of ten evaluable patients with four complete responses. Three responders received, after the autologous bone marrow transplantation program, radiotherapy or surgery on pretreatment bulky tumor localizations. Five patients still have disease-free survival after 9 to 36 mo. Pharmacokinetic studies of mitoxantrone were performed by high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection. The plasma disappearance of mitoxantrone fitted into a three-compartment model with a mean t1/2 alpha of 10 min, a mean t1/2 beta of 96 min, and a slow elimination phase of 172 h. The mean distribution volume was 4294 +/- 3836 liters. We conclude that the high-dose cyclophosphamide-mitoxantrone regimen led to unexpected bladder toxicity, but the combination of melphalan (180 mg/m2) and mitoxantrone (60 mg/m2) can probably be given without major extramedullary toxicity. However, more patients should be evaluated at this dose before definite conclusions can be drawn about toxicity.

P-glycoprotein expression and DNA topoisomerase I and II activity in benign tumors of the ovary and in malignant tumors of the ovary, before and after platinum/cyclophosphamide chemotherapy.

P-glycoprotein (P-gp) expression and DNA topoisomerase (Topo) II are important variables in multidrug resistant tumor cell lines. The aim of this study was to evaluate P-gp expression and Topo I and II activity in benign and malignant epithelial ovarian tumors. P-gp expression was analyzed immunohistochemically in cryostat sections of fresh tumor specimens. In the same specimens Topo I and II activity were measured by, respectively, relaxation of supercoiled plasmid pBR322 DNA and decatenation of kinetoplast DNA. P-gp expression (range, 5-100% positive staining cells) was found in 3 of 6 cystadenomas, 0 of 2 borderline tumors, 15 of 21 untreated ovarian cancers, and 8 of 13 platinum/cyclophosphamide treated ovarian cancers. Median Topo I and II activity were elevated in malignant ovarian tumors compared to benign and borderline tumors. No difference was found between median Topo I activity in untreated ovarian cancer and platinum/cyclophosphamide treated ovarian cancer. High Topo II activity (greater than or equal to 8 x 10(2) units/mg protein) was more frequent in untreated compared to platinum/cyclophosphamide treated samples. Respectively, 8- and 16-fold differences in Topo I and II activity were found in the malignant tumors. Topo II activity in malignant tumors correlated with Topo I activity (r = 0.36, P less than 0.05) and the tumor volume index (r = 0.35, P less than 0.05). However, this last weak correlation cannot explain the 16-fold differences in Topo II activity in malignant tumors. Mitotic index and P-gp expression did not correlate with Topo I or II activity. A large variability in P-gp expression and Topo I and II activity was observed in patients with ovarian cancer.

Value of P-glycoprotein, glutathione S-transferase pi, c-erbB-2, and p53 as prognostic factors in ovarian carcinomas.

PURPOSE: To determine the prognostic value of immunostaining of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), glutathione S-transferase (GST) pi, c-erbB-2, and p53 in patients with advanced-stage ovarian carcinoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Immunostaining of P-gp, GST pi, c-erbB-2, and p53 was performed on 89 primary tumors and 38 residual tumors after chemotherapy (P-gp and GST pi) in patients with advanced ovarian carcinoma treated with platinum- and doxorubicin-containing chemotherapy. The results of immunostaining were related to clinicopathologic prognostic factors, response to chemotherapy, and progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival. RESULTS: P-gp and GST pi immunoreactivity were present in 13 (15%) and 79 cases (89%), respectively, and were not associated with any other prognostic factor or PFS or overall survival. C-erbB-2 immunoreactivity was present in 18 cases (20%) and was associated with undifferentiated histiotype (P < .05), but not with PFS or overall survival. p53 immunoreactivity was present in the nuclei of 31 cases (35%) and cytoplasm of nine cases (10%). Nuclear p53 staining was associated with grade III tumors, presence of more than 1-L ascites, and residual tumor after first laparotomy more than 2 cm. Nuclear p53 staining was associated with shorter PFS (relative risk [RR], 3.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.0 to 5.6) and overall survival (RR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.7 to 3.8). After adjustment for presence of more than 1-L ascites or age more than 50 years, nuclear p53 staining did not retain independent prognostic significance in stage III/IV tumors. The frequency of P-gp staining in residual tumors after chemotherapy (18 of 38 cases) was higher in comparison to untreated tumors (13 of 89 cases) (P < .001). No combination of prognostic parameters was able to predict response to chemotherapy adequately. CONCLUSION: Nuclear immunoreactivity of p53 in ovarian carcinomas is associated with shorter PFS and overall survival and determinants of more aggressive tumor growth. The higher frequency of P-gp immunoreactivity in residual tumors after chemotherapy points to induction of P-gp in ovarian carcinomas by doxorubicin-containing combination chemotherapy. The determination of P-gp, GST pi, c-erbB-2, and p53 does not permit more adequate prediction of response to chemotherapy.

Recombinant human interleukin-3 to dose-intensify carboplatin and cyclophosphamide chemotherapy in epithelial ovarian cancer: a phase I trial.

PURPOSE: To define the optimal dose of recombinant human interleukin-3 (rhIL-3) required to intensify the dose of carboplatin and cyclophosphamide for advanced epithelial ovarian cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventeen patients were treated on day 1 with carboplatin (dose adjusted for creatinine clearance: range, 257 to 385 mg/m2; median, 300 mg/m2) and cyclophosphamide (750 mg/m2). rhIL-3 5 micrograms/kg/d (n = 10) or 10 micrograms/kg/d (n = 7) was administered subcutaneously (SC) on days 2 through 11. Carboplatin dose was escalated if no postponement of cycles 1 to 3 had occurred. RESULTS: A 3-week interval was achieved in 62% of cycles and a 4-week interval in 81%, with no difference between the rhIL-3 doses. A neutrophil nadir less than 0.5 x 10(9)/L occurred in 35% of the cycles at 5 micrograms/kg/d and in 52% at 10 micrograms/kg/d of rhIL-3 (nonsignificant difference). The mean platelet nadir in cycle 1 was 173 +/- 78 x 10(9)/L at 5 micrograms/kg/d and 340 +/- 152 x 10(9)/L at 10 micrograms/kg/d of rhIL-3 (P < .05), with a faster recovery of platelets at 10 micrograms/kg/d (P < .05). Progressive myelotoxicity occurred for leukocytes and platelets at both rhIL-3 doses and required chemotherapy postponement in later cycles. The planned six cycles were completed by 41% of patients. Fever (> or = 38.5 degrees C) occurred in 38% of cycles at 5 micrograms/kg/d and in 97% at 10 micrograms/kg/d (P < .0005); headache and myalgias occurred in 30% and 44%, respectively. After two cycles, diffuse erythema, facial edema, and urticaria were observed in two patients at 5 micrograms/kg/d and in five patients at 10 micrograms/kg/d of rhIL-3. This resolved after discontinuation of rhIL-3 and administration of corticosteroids and antihistamines. CONCLUSION: A dose of 5 micrograms/kg/d of rhIL-3 proved to be optimal to intensify the carboplatin and cyclophosphamide regimen. It permitted the administration of carboplatin and cyclophosphamide combination therapy every 3 weeks in 62% of cycles.

Continuous infusion carboplatin on a 21-day schedule: a phase I and pharmacokinetic study.

A phase I study with continuous infusion carboplatin for 21 days every 6 weeks using a venous access port and portable pump was performed over a dose range of 12 to 32 mg/m2/d, with increments of 2 mg/m2/d. Forty-four patients received 107 courses (median, two; range, one to nine). World Health Organization (WHO) grade III/IV leukopenia and thrombocytopenia occurred in one of seven patients at 30 mg/m2/d, and in two of six and four of six patients at 32 mg/m2/d. Cumulative platelet depression was found at dose levels of 28 mg/m2/d or more. Median glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and effective renal plasma flow, monitored by radioisotope clearances at doses greater than or equal to 20 mg/m2/d, decreased 8.2% (P less than .05) and 10.9% (P less than .01) after two courses. There was a relationship (r = .50, P less than .0002) between the percentage of platelet depression and GFR. No other toxicity was observed. Of the 17 patients who were evaluable, one complete response and four partial responses were observed. In addition, six patients had stable disease. Pharmacokinetic analysis of total and ultrafiltrable platinum (UFPt) was performed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Steady-state plasma levels for UFPt were reached after 8 hours. These levels could be detected from the 20 mg/m2/d dose. During steady state, carboplatin dose and UFPt plasma levels were not correlated, but steady-state UFPt and GFR (r = -.27, P less than .05) were. Twenty-four percent of total platinum (Pt) was present as UFPt during steady state (x = 160 +/- 10 micrograms/L). Total body clearance of UFPt exceeded GFR 2.2 times. Mean area under the curve (AUC) for UFPt during continuous infusion was 4,921.8 +/- 301.72 mg.min/L. For total Pt, steady-state plasma levels were not reached; total Pt plasma levels increased between day 7 and day 21 (P less than .0001). There was a significant relation between total Pt serum levels day 7, 14, and 21 and the drug dose administered. Immunohistochemical analysis of DNA-bound Pt in leukocytes showed a linear increase from day 7 to day 14 to day 21 (r = .97) between DNA-bound Pt and duration of infusion in individual patients. The maximum-tolerable dose of carboplatin is 30 mg/m2/d for 21 days (total dose 630 mg/m2) and is recommended for phase II studies.

Toxicity and efficacy of escalating dosages of recombinant human interleukin-6 after chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer or non-small-cell lung cancer.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of varying doses of recombinant human interleukin-6 (rhIL-6) after chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this phase I/II study, 19 breast (stage III to IV) or non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients received mitoxantrone (10 mg/m2) and thiotepa (40 mg/m2) every 3 weeks, followed by rhIL-6 subcutaneously (days 5 to 15) at six dose levels: 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, and 20.0 micrograms/kg/d body weight/d (micrograms/kg/d). rhIL-6 was increased to the next level in the individual patient in case of incomplete bone marrow recovery (leukocyte count < 3 x 10(9)/L and/or platelet count < 100 x 10(9)/L at day 22) and/or platelet nadir less than 25 x 10(9)/L in two consecutive cycles. RESULTS: Flu-like symptoms were observed in most of the patients. Nausea and vomiting were reported in seven of 48 and 19 of 48 cycles, respectively. Dose-limiting toxicity at 20.0 micrograms/kg/d of rhIL-6 consisted of World Health Organization (WHO) grade 3 to 4 flu-like symptoms, nausea, and vomiting. Platelet recovery was faster in cycle 1 at 10.0 and 20.0 micrograms/kg/d of rhIL-6 than at lower dose levels (P < .05); thrombocytopenia grade 4 was observed at most levels. However, only two patients needed platelet transfusions (1.0 and 2.5 micrograms/kg/d rhIL-6). rhIL-6 effects on leukocytes were not dose-related, with a trend for the neutrophil nadir to increase with rhIL-6 up to 10 micrograms/kg/d. rhIL-6 dose escalation did not affect hematologic parameters and chemotherapy cycle duration. Hemoglobin (P < .001) and cholesterol (P < .05) levels decreased, while acute-phase proteins increased. CONCLUSION: rhIL-6 following chemotherapy is tolerable up to 10 micrograms/kg/d; flu-like symptoms and nausea were dose-limiting at 20 micrograms/kg/d. Platelet nadir did not differ for the various rhIL-6 doses. However, a faster platelet recovery was observed at 10.0 and 20.0 micrograms/kg/d of rhIL-6.

Phase II study of subcutaneous interleukin-2 in unselected patients with advanced renal cell cancer on an outpatient basis.

PURPOSE: A single-institution phase II study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of interleukin-2 (IL-2) administered by subcutaneous injection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven unselected patients (15 male) with a mean age of 60 years (range, 42 to 76 years) who had advanced renal cell cancer were treated as outpatients. IL-2 was given once a day, 5 days per week for 6 weeks. During the first 5-day cycle, 18 x 10(6) IU was given once daily; in the following cycles, the doses in the first 2 days were reduced to 9 x 10(6) IU. After a 3-week rest period, treatment was repeated in patients who had a response or stable disease (SD). To prevent pyretic reactions, patients also received acetaminophen (250 to 500 mg given orally every 4 to 6 hours). RESULTS: After 6 weeks, 26 patients were assessable for response. Two patients (8%) had a complete remission (CR), four (15%) had a partial remission (PR), and 13 (50%) had SD. A second cycle of 6 weeks was given to 19 patients; one patient with a PR and six with SD showed progression. Duration of the CR was 17+ and 19+ months, and length of the PR was 2, 8, 11, and 11+ months. The median survival of the patients who were nonresponders and responders was 10 and 20+ months, respectively, and for all patients was 13 months. One patient died as a result of myocardial infarction and brain stem ischemia. Systemic side effects in the other patients were tolerated and accepted, and included transient inflammation and local induration at the injection sites, fever and chills, and nausea. CONCLUSION: Subcutaneous IL-2 is clinically active, has an acceptable toxicity, and can be given to patients with concomitant disease.

A phase I and pharmacokinetic study with 21-day continuous infusion of epirubicin.

A phase I study with continuous administration of epirubicin for 21 days using a venous access port and a portable pump was performed. The first dose step was 2 mg/m2/d for 21 days. Interval between courses was 3 weeks. Dose increment per step was 1 mg/m2/d. Twenty-two patients entered the study and received a total of 58 courses with a median of two (range, one to nine). Up to 5 mg/m2/d no toxicity (according to World Health Organization [WHO] criteria) occurred. At 6 mg/m2/d (six pts), one patient had leukopenia grade 3. Two others had some hair loss. At 7 mg/m2/d (four patients), all patients developed mucositis (two grade 3). Three patients had bone marrow depression (one grade 3 anemia, one grade 4 leukocytopenia), and one patient developed the hand-foot syndrome. No other toxicity occurred in the patients. One patient obtained a partial response (18 weeks), ten had stable disease (12 to 54 weeks), seven had progressive disease, and four were not evaluable for response. One patient developed cellulitis around the port, responding to antibiotic treatment; one patient developed a vena cava superior syndrome that resolved with urokinase and removal of the access port. No septicemia occurred. Pharmacokinetic studies were performed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorometric detection. Plasma steady state was reached after 57 hours. During steady state there was a linear relationship between epirubicin dose administered and epirubicin level in plasma (r = .58, P less than .05), whole blood (r = .75, P less than .005), and in leukocytes (r = .68, P less than .05). The area under the curve in leukocytes was higher with continuous infusion of 6 mg/m2 for 21 days compared with bolus injection of 80 mg/m2. This method of continuous infusion with epirubicin may be a way to increase intracellular drug-uptake as expressed by intracellular area under curve (AUC). We recommend 6 mg/m2/d for 3 weeks for evaluation of antitumor efficacy in phase II studies.

A phase I pharmacokinetic study of 21-day continuous infusion mitoxantrone.

A phase I study of mitoxantrone given as a continuous infusion for 21 days using a venous access port and a portable pump was performed. The first dose step was 0.3 mg/m2/d for 21 days. Courses were repeated every 6 weeks. Dose increment per step was 0.1 mg/m2/d in the first three dose steps and 0.2 mg/m2/d in the latter dose steps. Twenty-five patients entered the study and received a total of 50 courses, with a median of two courses (range, one to five). Up to 0.5 mg/m2/d, no toxicity (according to the World Health Organization [WHO] criteria) occurred. At 0.7 mg/m2/d, one patient experienced grade 2 leukocytopenia and at the 0.9 mg/m2/d dose step, one patient experienced grade 2 leukocytopenia, grade 1 thrombocytopenia, and grade 1 hair loss. At 1.1 mg/m2/d, two of six patients had grade 3 leukocytopenia, and in one patient treatment was discontinued after two days because of myocardial infarction. In both patients receiving 1.3 mg/m2/d, treatment was discontinued after 2 weeks because of grade 3 leukocytopenia. Three patients at the 1.1 mg/m2/d, dose step and two patients at the 1.3 mg/m2/d dose step experienced some nausea in the last week of the infusion period. One patient developed subclavian vein thrombosis. No infectious complications occurred. Pharmacokinetic studies were performed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with ultraviolet (UV) detection. Plasma steady-state was reached after 35 hours. During steady-state there was a linear relationship between the mitoxantrone dose administered and the level of mitoxantrone in plasma (r = .93, P less than .005). The mitoxantrone level in leukocytes increased significantly during the infusion period at the 0.9 mg/m2, the 1.1 mg/m2, and the 1.3 mg/m2 dose steps. The area under the curve (AUC) in leukocytes was higher with continuous infusion of 1.1 mg/m2/d for 21 days compared with bolus injection of 12 mg/m2. Mitoxantrone could be detected in plasma for at least five days after the end of the 21-day infusion period and in leukocytes for at least 14 days. Continuous infusion mitoxantrone may increase intracellular drug uptake as expressed by intracellular AUC. We recommend a dose of 1.1 mg/m2/d for 3 weeks for evaluation of antitumor efficacy in phase II studies.

Ten-year survival and late sequelae in testicular cancer patients treated with cisplatin, vinblastine, and bleomycin.

This 10-year follow-up study of 91 patients with disseminated testicular nonseminomatous cancer, treated with cisplatin, vinblastine, and bleomycin (PVB) induction chemotherapy and vinblastine plus bleomycin maintenance chemotherapy for a planned period of 2 years, shows a 63% cure rate. The predominant long-term sequelae are neurological and sexual dysfunction in 68% and 40% of patients, respectively. Two patients died of myocardial infarction. Sixteen percent of patients developed hypertension, 23% Raynaud's phenomenon, and 25% ototoxicity. Despite the long-term side effects, 90% of the patients who responded to a questionnaire are fully employed. This study shows that the maintenance chemotherapy has contributed to the incidence and/or degree of neurotoxicity, hypertension, and renal function disturbance.

Randomized trial comparing two combination chemotherapy regimens (CHAP-5 v CP) in advanced ovarian carcinoma.

One hundred ninety-one patients with advanced epithelial ovarian carcinoma were treated with either a combination of doxorubicin and a five-day course of cisplatin alternating with cyclophosphamide and hexamethylmelamine orally for 14 days (CHAP-5) or cyclophosphamide and cisplatin both administered intravenously (IV) on a single day at 3-week intervals (CP). At a median follow-up time of 45 months, treatment with each of these combinations resulted in the same remission rates (80% and 74%, respectively) and exactly the same progression-free survival and overall survival (median, 26 months). Despite adequate hydration, more renal toxicity was encountered in the CP-treated patients than in those who received CHAP-5. Disabling neurotoxicity and severe myelosuppression were encountered more frequently in the patients treated with CHAP-5. Because the toxicity was lower and CP treatment required shorter hospitalization, the single-day regimen was considered preferable for future use. The Karnofsky index was the only independent predictor for response, whereas both this index and the size of residual tumor before chemotherapy were predictive of survival. After correcting for other prognostic factors, it was determined that tumor size associated with improved survival was less than 1 cm. The site of metastases in International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IV patients did not influence survival within this category. The results of this study confirm our previous findings that patients with microscopic remnants at second-look have a survival similar to that of patients who are histopathologically free of disease. This makes the significance of so-called pathologically confirmed complete remission questionable. The survival benefit of debulking surgery performed during chemotherapy seems only minimal for patients in whom debulking has already been attempted before treatment. Like others, we have found the CP regimen to have a good therapeutic index.

Randomized trial of recombinant human interleukin-3 versus placebo in prevention of bone marrow depression during first-line chemotherapy for ovarian carcinoma.

PURPOSE: To determine whether recombinant human interleukin-3 (rhIL-3) reduces bone marrow depression and improves chemotherapeutic schedule adherence in ovarian cancer patients receiving first-line combination chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a randomized multicenter study, 185 patients received carboplatin (dose based on projected area under the concentration-time curve [AUC]=4) and cyclophosphamide (750 mg/m2) day 1, every 3 weeks for six cycles. Patients were randomized to receive rhIL-3 (5 microg/kg) or placebo once daily subcutaneously on days 3 to 12. RESULTS: Adherence to chemotherapeutic regimen, mean chemotherapy cycle length, tumor response rate, and median survival at 24 months did not differ between groups. The number of side effects-primarily allergic reactions, flu-like symptoms and fever-were higher in the rhIL-3 group, which resulted in 21 discontinuations compared with one in the placebo group. Compared with placebo, the rhIL-3 group had higher platelet counts day 1 of cycles 2 to 6. The number of patients with World Health Organization (WHO) grade IV thrombocytopenia or number of platelet transfusions did not differ. Leukocyte counts differed only in cycles 1 and 2 between groups. The leukocyte nadir occurred earlier in the rhIL-3 (day 12) than in the placebo group (day 15, P=.006). Leukocytes and neutrophils were only higher in the rhIL-3 group day 1 of cycle 2. In cycles 4 and 5, more patients with WHO grade IV neutropenia received rhIL-3 (P < .005). Eosinophil counts were higher day 1 of cycles 2 to 6 in the rhIL-3 group (P < .0001). CONCLUSION: rhIL-3 had stimulatory hematopoietic effects. This did not result either in reduction of platelet transfusions or in improvement of chemotherapeutic schedule adherence. There were more side effects in the rhIL-3 group than in the placebo group. rhIL-3 at 5 microg/kg/d is, therefore, not of clinical benefit in this chemotherapeutic regimen.

Clinical value of routine serum squamous cell carcinoma antigen in follow-up of patients with early-stage cervical cancer.

PURPOSE: To investigate the contribution to recurrence detection and survival of serum squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC-ag) analysis in the follow-up of early-stage cervical cancer patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Follow-up data were evaluated in patients with early-stage squamous cell cervical cancer treated by radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy with or without radiotherapy. Routine serum SCC-ag determination was performed at each follow-up visit. RESULTS: Recurrent disease occurred in 35 (16%) of 225 patients and was preceded or accompanied by serum SCC-ag elevation 26 times (sensitivity, 74%). In five (14%) of these 35 patients, elevated serum SCC-ag was the first measured clinical indicator. Desite salvage therapy, all five patients died of disease. In the other 31 patients (21 with serum SCC-ag elevation), either symptoms and/or positive signs led to recurrence detection. Median survival time after recurrence was worse (9 months; range, 2 to 112+) for patients with an elevated serum SCC-ag value at recurrence in comparison with patients with normal serum SCC-ag values (20 months; range, 4 to 96; P <.01). In 23 of the 190 patients without recurrences, serum SCC-ag values became falsely elevated. In 16 of these 23 patients, the repeat sample after 6 weeks showed a normal SCC-ag, and in seven patients benign (especially skin) disorders were found. CONCLUSION: Serum SCC-ag analysis results in earlier recurrence detection in a small proportion (14%) of patients but did not contribute to better survival. As long as treatment possibilities for recurrent cervical cancer patients are not improved, serum SCC-ag analysis should not be carried out in routine follow-up.

A phase I study of intraperitoneal topotecan in combination with intravenous carboplatin and paclitaxel in advanced ovarian cancer.

The aim of this study was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of intraperitoneal (i.p.) topotecan combined with standard doses of intravenous (i.v.) carboplatin and paclitaxel and to investigate its pharmacokinetics. Women with primary ovarian cancer stage IIb - IV received six cycles of i.v. carboplatin and paclitaxel with escalating topotecan doses i.p. of 10, 15, 20 and 25 mg/m(2). Twenty-one patients entered this trial. Febrile neutropenia, thrombocytopenia requiring platelet transfusion and fatigue grade 3 were dose-limiting toxicities (DLT) at 25 mg/m(2) i.p. and 20 mg/m(2) i.p. of topotecan was considered to be the MTD. The mean plasma t(1/2) was 3.8 +/- 2.3 h for total topotecan and 4.4 +/- 3.9 h for active lactone. The area under the curve (AUC) was proportional with dose, R = 0.54, p < 0.05 for total topotecan and the peritoneal / plasma AUC ratio was 46 +/- 30. Fifteen patients who completed treatment had a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 27 months. In this setting the MTD of topotecan is 20 mg/m(2) i.p. The efficacy of this regimen should be explored further in a formal phase III study.