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1.
Ann Oncol ; 35(1): 77-90, 2024 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37879444

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Amivantamab plus carboplatin-pemetrexed (chemotherapy) with and without lazertinib demonstrated antitumor activity in patients with refractory epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in phase I studies. These combinations were evaluated in a global phase III trial. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 657 patients with EGFR-mutated (exon 19 deletions or L858R) locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC after disease progression on osimertinib were randomized 2 : 2 : 1 to receive amivantamab-lazertinib-chemotherapy, chemotherapy, or amivantamab-chemotherapy. The dual primary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) of amivantamab-chemotherapy and amivantamab-lazertinib-chemotherapy versus chemotherapy. During the study, hematologic toxicities observed in the amivantamab-lazertinib-chemotherapy arm necessitated a regimen change to start lazertinib after carboplatin completion. RESULTS: All baseline characteristics were well balanced across the three arms, including by history of brain metastases and prior brain radiation. PFS was significantly longer for amivantamab-chemotherapy and amivantamab-lazertinib-chemotherapy versus chemotherapy [hazard ratio (HR) for disease progression or death 0.48 and 0.44, respectively; P < 0.001 for both; median of 6.3 and 8.3 versus 4.2 months, respectively]. Consistent PFS results were seen by investigator assessment (HR for disease progression or death 0.41 and 0.38 for amivantamab-chemotherapy and amivantamab-lazertinib-chemotherapy, respectively; P < 0.001 for both; median of 8.2 and 8.3 versus 4.2 months, respectively). Objective response rate was significantly higher for amivantamab-chemotherapy and amivantamab-lazertinib-chemotherapy versus chemotherapy (64% and 63% versus 36%, respectively; P < 0.001 for both). Median intracranial PFS was 12.5 and 12.8 versus 8.3 months for amivantamab-chemotherapy and amivantamab-lazertinib-chemotherapy versus chemotherapy (HR for intracranial disease progression or death 0.55 and 0.58, respectively). Predominant adverse events (AEs) in the amivantamab-containing regimens were hematologic, EGFR-, and MET-related toxicities. Amivantamab-chemotherapy had lower rates of hematologic AEs than amivantamab-lazertinib-chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Amivantamab-chemotherapy and amivantamab-lazertinib-chemotherapy improved PFS and intracranial PFS versus chemotherapy in a population with limited options after disease progression on osimertinib. Longer follow-up is needed for the modified amivantamab-lazertinib-chemotherapy regimen.


Subject(s)
Acrylamides , Aniline Compounds , Antibodies, Bispecific , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung , Indoles , Lung Neoplasms , Morpholines , Pyrazoles , Pyrimidines , Humans , Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/adverse effects , Carboplatin/adverse effects , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/drug therapy , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/genetics , Disease Progression , ErbB Receptors/genetics , Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy , Lung Neoplasms/genetics , Mutation , Protein Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use
2.
Ann Oncol ; 33(1): 57-66, 2022 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34624497

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Several strategies have been investigated to improve the 4% survival advantage of adjuvant chemotherapy in early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this investigator-initiated study we aimed to evaluate the predictive utility of the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels of excision repair cross complementation group 1 (ERCC1) and thymidylate synthase (TS) as assessed in resected tumor. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seven hundred and seventy-three completely resected stage II-III NSCLC patients were enrolled and randomly assigned in each of the four genomic subgroups to investigator's choice of platinum-based chemotherapy (C, n = 389) or tailored chemotherapy (T, n = 384). All anticancer drugs were administered according to standard doses and schedules. Stratification factors included stage and smoking status. The primary endpoint of the study was overall survival (OS). RESULTS: Six hundred and ninety patients were included in the primary analysis. At a median follow-up of 45.9 months, 85 (24.6%) and 70 (20.3%) patients died in arms C and T, respectively. Five-year survival for patients in arms C and T was of 65.4% (95% CI (confidence interval): 58.5% to 71.4%) and 72.9% (95% CI: 66.5% to 78.3%), respectively. The estimated hazard ratio (HR) was 0.77 (95% CI: 0.56-1.06, P value: 0.109) for arm T versus arm C. HR for recurrence-free survival was 0.89 (95% CI: 0.69-1.14, P value: 0.341) for arm T versus arm C. Grade 3-5 toxicities were more frequently reported in arm C than in arm T. CONCLUSION: In completely resected stage II-III NSCLC tailoring adjuvant chemotherapy conferred a non-statistically significant trend for OS favoring the T arm. In terms of safety, the T arm was associated with better efficacy/toxicity ratio related to the different therapeutic choices in the experimental arm.


Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung , Lung Neoplasms , Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use , Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/adverse effects , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/drug therapy , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/genetics , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/surgery , Chemotherapy, Adjuvant , Humans , Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy , Lung Neoplasms/genetics , Lung Neoplasms/surgery , Neoplasm Staging , Pharmacogenetics
3.
Ann Oncol ; 32(5): 620-630, 2021 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33639216

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Lorlatinib, a potent, brain-penetrant, third-generation anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), has substantial activity against ALK-positive non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study assessed the overall, intracranial, and extracranial efficacy of lorlatinib in ALK-positive NSCLC that progressed on second-generation ALK TKIs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In the ongoing phase II study (NCT01970865), patients with ALK-positive advanced NSCLC treated with ≥1 prior second-generation ALK TKI ± chemotherapy were enrolled in expansion cohorts (EXP) based on treatment history. Overall, intracranial and extracranial antitumor activity were assessed independently per modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) v1.1. RESULTS: Of the 139 patients with ≥1 prior second-generation ALK TKI (EXP3B-5), 28 received one prior second-generation ALK TKI (EXP3B), 65 two prior ALK TKIs (EXP4), and 46 three prior ALK TKIs (EXP5). In EXP3B-5, the objective response rate (ORR) [95% confidence intervals] was 39.6% (31.4-48.2), intracranial ORR (IC-ORR) was 56.1% (42.4-69.3), extracranial ORR (EC-ORR) was 36.7% (28.7-45.3), median duration of response (DOR) was 9.6 months [5.6-16.7; IC-DOR, 12.4 (6.0-37.1); EC-DOR, 9.7 (6.1-33.3)], median progression-free survival was 6.6 (5.4-7.4) months, and median overall survival was 20.7 months (16.1-30.3). In EXP3B, the ORR was 42.9% (24.5-62.8), the IC-ORR was 66.7% (29.9-92.5), and the EC-ORR was 32.1% (15.9-52.4). In EXP4 and EXP5, the ORR was 38.7% (29.6-48.5), the IC-ORR was 54.2% (39.2-68.6), and the EC-ORR was 37.8% (28.8-47.5). CONCLUSIONS: Lorlatinib had clinically meaningful intracranial and extracranial antitumor activity in the post-second-generation ALK TKI setting, with elevated intracranial versus extracranial ORR, particularly in patients with fewer lines of therapy.


Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung , Lung Neoplasms , Aminopyridines , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/drug therapy , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/genetics , Humans , Lactams , Lactams, Macrocyclic , Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy , Lung Neoplasms/genetics , Protein Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use , Pyrazoles , Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/genetics
4.
J Endocrinol Invest ; 43(3): 337-345, 2020 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31542865

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPIs) agents anti-T lymphocytes-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) and anti-programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) and its ligands (PD-L1/PD-L2) have opened a new scenario in the treatment of cancer. These agents can induce immuno-related adverse events (irAEs), which may affect the endocrine system. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze the occurrence and the course of endocrine irAEs in cancer patients treated with anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. METHODS: This was a retrospective, multicentre study, involving cancer patients treated with the PD-1 inhibitors nivolumab or pembrolizumab at reference Oncology Centres. One hundred and seventy-nine consecutive patients with different types of cancer (mostly non-small cell lung cancer, melanoma, kidney cancer) were included in the study. Patients had received nivolumab (70.9%) or pembrolizumab (29.1%) for 2-33 months. The study evaluated clinical data records until the established date of July 15, 2018. The primary end point was the assessment of endocrine toxicity and possible predictive factors. RESULTS: Endocrine toxicity occurred in 54 out of 179 patients (30.2%) and was related to thyroid dysfunction, with the exception of one case of diabetes mellitus. Thyroid toxicity occurred mostly within 2 months from the initiation of immunotherapy (83% of cases). A pre-existing thyroid dysfunction was a significant predictor of disease flare. CONCLUSIONS: Thyroid alterations are frequently associated with anti PD-1 treatment in cancer patients. Regular thyroid assessment should be performed, particularly in the first months of treatment and in patients with a pre-existing thyroid disease.


Subject(s)
Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/adverse effects , Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/adverse effects , Nivolumab/adverse effects , Thyroid Diseases/chemically induced , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/therapeutic use , Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/therapeutic use , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/drug therapy , Female , Humans , Kidney Neoplasms/drug therapy , Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy , Male , Melanoma/drug therapy , Middle Aged , Nivolumab/therapeutic use , Retrospective Studies , Skin Neoplasms/drug therapy , Young Adult
6.
Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol ; 25(2 Suppl): 1S-19S, 2012.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23092516

ABSTRACT

Cancer is the second leading cause of death during the reproductive years complicating between 0.02 percent and 0.1 percent of pregnancies. The incidence is expected to rise with the increase in age of childbearing. The most common types of pregnancy-associated cancers are: cervical cancer, breast cancer, malignant melanoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and ovarian cancer. The relatively rare occurrence of pregnancy-associated cancer precludes conducting large, prospective studies to examine diagnostic, management and outcome issues. The treatment of pregnancy-associated cancer is complex since it may be associated with adverse fatal effects. In pregnant patients diagnosed with cancer during the first trimester, treatment with multidrug anti-cancer chemotherapy is associated with an increased risk of congenital malformations, spontaneous abortions or fetal death, and therefore, should follow a strong recommendation for pregnancy termination. Second and third trimester exposure is not associated with teratogenic effect but increases the risk of intrauterine growth retardation and low birth weight. There are no sufficient data regarding the teratogenicity of most cytotoxic drugs. Almost all chemotherapeutic agents were found to be teratogenic in animals and for some drugs only experimental data exist. Moreover, no pharmacokinetic studies have been conducted in pregnant women receiving chemotherapy in order to understand whether pregnant women should be treated with different doses of chemotherapy. This article reviews the available data regarding the different aspects of the treatment of cancer during pregnancy.


Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents/adverse effects , Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic/drug therapy , Breast Neoplasms/drug therapy , Female , Humans , Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy , Ovarian Neoplasms/drug therapy , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic/diagnosis , Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic/pathology , Stomach Neoplasms/drug therapy , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/drug therapy
7.
J Biomed Biotechnol ; 2011: 921231, 2011.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21541198

ABSTRACT

Targeting intracellular signaling molecules is an attractive approach for treatment of malignancies. In particular lung cancer has reached a plateau regarding overall survival, and target therapies could offer the possibility to improve patients' outcome beyond cytotoxic activity. The goal for target therapies is to identify agents that target tumor-specific molecules, thus sparing normal tissues; those molecules are called biomarkers, and their identification is recommended because it has a predictive value, for example, provides information on outcome with regard to a specific treatment. The increased specificity should lead to decreased toxicity and better activity. Herein we provide an update of the main target therapies in development or already available for the treatment of nonsmall cell lung cancer.


Subject(s)
Lung Neoplasms/therapy , Molecular Targeted Therapy , Animals , Humans , Lung Neoplasms/blood supply , Lung Neoplasms/metabolism , Neovascularization, Pathologic/therapy , Signal Transduction
8.
Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol ; 14(2): 261-268, 2021 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33472450

ABSTRACT

Background: The RESORT trial showed no longer relapse free survival (RFS) with sorafenib following radical metastasectomy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma. We present the updated 42-month follow-up data.Methods: The phase II RESORT trial randomized patients to sorafenib or observation within 12 weeks from surgery. RFS was the primary endpoint.Results: We analyzed 68 patients (32 in sorafenib and 36 in the observation arm), randomized between November 2012 and November 2017. Eighty-one percent in the sorafenib arm and 80% in the observation arm had one metastasis . At a median follow-up of 42 months (interquartile range 31-58), in the observation arm the median RFS was 35 months, RFS probability was 57% (95% CI 42-76%) at 24 and 44% (95% CI 30-65%) at 48 months. In the sorafenib arm, median RFS was 21 months, RFS probability was 50% (95% CI 34-71%) at 24 and 32% (95% CI 18-57%) at 48 months (p = 0.342;HR 1.35;95% CI 0.72-2.54). Forty-seven percent and 37.5% of the patients in the two arms, respectively, are disease free. The site of relapses was independent of the previous metastasectomy site.Expert commentary: Sorafenib after metastasectomy did not improve RFS, but surgery in selected patients should be considered in order to potentially improve survival.Clinical trial registration: www.clinicaltrials.gov identifier is NCT0144480.


Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Renal Cell/therapy , Kidney Neoplasms/therapy , Metastasectomy/methods , Sorafenib/administration & dosage , Antineoplastic Agents/administration & dosage , Carcinoma, Renal Cell/pathology , Disease-Free Survival , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Kidney Neoplasms/pathology , Neoplasm Recurrence, Local , Probability
9.
Ann Oncol ; 21(2): 348-353, 2010 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19635740

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare disease characterized by a difficult diagnosis, different types of presentation, variable course and poor prognosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-one patients with MPM observed in 14 Italian oncology institutions from 1982 to 2007 have been examined with the aim of delineating the history of MPM. RESULTS: Presentation symptoms were ascites, abdominal pain, asthenia, weight loss, anorexia, abdominal mass, fever, diarrhea and vomiting in various associations. Computed tomography scan and echotomography signs were ascites, abdominal mass and peritoneal thickening. Peritoneal fluid cytology (61 cases) was positive for mesothelioma in 31 and for malignancy, not mesothelioma, in 13. Laparoscopy was carried out in 40 cases and laparotomy in 36. Thrombocytosis was present in 59 cases. Associated tumors diagnosed during the lifetime were colorectal cancer in two cases and cheek carcinoma, thyroid carcinoma, tongue carcinoma, bladder carcinoma and testicular seminoma. Thirty patients were treated with surgery and 45 with chemotherapy. The median survival time from diagnosis is 13 months. Ascites, fever and vomiting were significative variables at presentation; only vomiting holds significance in a multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: MPM is a disease with various types of presentation, frequently associated with thrombocytosis, sometimes with other tumors. Survival and diagnosis time can differ in various types of MPM. Prognosis is poor.


Subject(s)
Mesothelioma/diagnosis , Mesothelioma/etiology , Peritoneal Neoplasms/diagnosis , Peritoneal Neoplasms/etiology , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Asbestos/adverse effects , Comorbidity , Female , Humans , Italy/epidemiology , Male , Middle Aged , Peritoneal Neoplasms/epidemiology , Peritoneal Neoplasms/therapy , Prognosis , Retrospective Studies , Survival Analysis , Treatment Outcome , Young Adult
10.
Crit Rev Oncol Hematol ; 66(2): 155-62, 2008 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18083041

ABSTRACT

Advances in the knowledge of tumor biology and mechanisms of oncogenesis has granted the singling out of several molecular targets for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment. Among these targets, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), or HER1, has received particular attention in lung cancer treatment. Erlotinib, an orally available inhibitor of EGFR tyrosine kinase in a phase III randomized placebo-controlled trial (BR.21), has been proven to prolong survival in NSCLC patients after first or second line chemotherapy. Skin rash is the most common adverse event associated with erlotinib treatment and it is often cause of negative impact on patients' quality of life. There is no specific treatment for this toxicity due to the lack of evidence-based data and recommendations. A panel of Italian oncologists, who had participated to clinical trials and to the Expanded Access Program for erlotinib in NSCLC treatment, and dermatologists with experience with cutaneous toxicity from EGFR inhibitors, attended a Meeting held in Rome on December 2006 to discuss skin rash from erlotinib and to provide suggestions for managing this frequent side-effect.


Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents/adverse effects , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/drug therapy , ErbB Receptors/antagonists & inhibitors , Exanthema/chemically induced , Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy , Protein Kinase Inhibitors/adverse effects , Quinazolines/adverse effects , Antineoplastic Agents/administration & dosage , Biomedical Research , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/enzymology , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/mortality , Dermatologic Agents/therapeutic use , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Drug Administration Schedule , ErbB Receptors/metabolism , Erlotinib Hydrochloride , Exanthema/drug therapy , Exanthema/pathology , Humans , Lung Neoplasms/enzymology , Lung Neoplasms/mortality , Practice Guidelines as Topic , Protein Kinase Inhibitors/administration & dosage , Quinazolines/administration & dosage , Treatment Outcome
11.
Br J Cancer ; 99(1): 51-6, 2008 Jul 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18542071

ABSTRACT

The incidence of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) in elderly patients is increasing. In this study, pooled data from two phase II trials of pemetrexed and carboplatin (PC) as first-line therapy were retrospectively analysed for comparisons between age groups. Patients received pemetrexed 500 mg m(-2) and carboplatin AUC 5 mg ml(-1) min(-1) intravenously every 21 days with standard vitamin supplementation. Elderly patients were defined as those >or=70 years old. A total of 178 patients with an ECOG performance status of or=70 years (27%). Grade 3-4 haematological toxicity was slightly worse in >or=70 vs <70-year-old patients, with neutropenia observed in 25.0 vs 13.8% (P=0.11), anaemia in 20.8 vs 6.9% (P=0.01) and thrombocytopenia in 14.6 vs 8.5% (P=0.26). Non-haematological toxicity was mild and similar in the two groups. No significant difference was observed in terms of overall disease control (60.4 vs 66.9%, P=0.47), time to progression (7.2 vs 7.5 months, P=0.42) and survival (10.7 vs 13.9 months, P=0.12). Apart from slightly worse haematological toxicity, there was no significant difference in outcome or toxicity between age groups. The PC regimen is effective and well tolerated in selected elderly patients with MPM.


Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/administration & dosage , Carboplatin/administration & dosage , Glutamates/administration & dosage , Guanine/analogs & derivatives , Mesothelioma/drug therapy , Pleural Neoplasms/drug therapy , Adult , Age Factors , Aged , Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic , Female , Guanine/administration & dosage , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Pemetrexed , Retrospective Studies
13.
Int J Biol Markers ; 22(4): 307-11, 2007.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18161663

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC) is a histological subtype of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), particularly of adenocarcinoma. Given its multifocality and the poor activity of chemotherapy, there is no established treatment for BAC, although promising results have been achieved with inhibitors of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). No tumor marker has been validated in the diagnosis and follow-up of lung cancer, in particular to predict the outcome of treatment with EGFR inhibitors. PURPOSE: As CA 15-3 antigen serum levels are reported to be pathologically abnormal in adenocarcinoma of the lung, we chose this tumor marker to monitor treatment with EGFR inhibitors of patients affected by adenocarcinoma with BAC features or pure BAC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We collected data from 26 consecutive Caucasian patients with BAC, mostly women and never smokers, who received EGFR inhibitors. RESULTS: We noticed that all patients with normal CA 15-3 serum levels at baseline (15/26, 57.7%) showed a response to EGFR inhibitors, whereas all patients with abnormal CA 15-3 serum levels (11/26, 42.3%) did not. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that CA 15-3 levels might be a predictive factor for the response to EGFR inhibitors in patients with BAC.


Subject(s)
Adenocarcinoma, Bronchiolo-Alveolar/drug therapy , Adenocarcinoma, Bronchiolo-Alveolar/metabolism , Biomarkers, Tumor , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/metabolism , ErbB Receptors/antagonists & inhibitors , Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic , Lung Neoplasms/metabolism , Mucin-1/biosynthesis , Mucin-1/physiology , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/drug therapy , Female , Genetic Predisposition to Disease , Humans , Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy , Male , Middle Aged
14.
J Chemother ; 19(3): 343-6, 2007 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17594933

ABSTRACT

Recent data have shown the efficacy of cetuximab/Folfiri regimen in patients with chemotherapy-resistant metastatic colorectal cancer. In the literature there are no data about this treatment in HIV-positive patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. At the Aviano Cancer Center, we used the cetuximab/Folfiri regimen and concomitant HAART in an HIV-positive patient with metastatic colorectal cancer. The patient experienced acceptable non-hematological toxicity, without any opportunistic infection and his HIV infection was kept under control. This case suggests that, in the HAART era, a multidisciplinary approach can be offered to HIV patients with advanced cancer when they have good performance status, resulting in efficacious control of the HIV infection.


Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use , Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active , Colorectal Neoplasms/complications , Colorectal Neoplasms/drug therapy , HIV Infections/complications , HIV Infections/drug therapy , Antibodies, Monoclonal/administration & dosage , Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized , Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/administration & dosage , Camptothecin/administration & dosage , Camptothecin/analogs & derivatives , Camptothecin/therapeutic use , Cetuximab , Colorectal Neoplasms/pathology , Female , Fluorouracil/administration & dosage , Fluorouracil/therapeutic use , Humans , Leucovorin/administration & dosage , Leucovorin/therapeutic use , Middle Aged , Neoplasm Metastasis
15.
Ann Oncol ; 17 Suppl 5: v47-51, 2006 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-16807462

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been improved by the use of cis-platin (P) and the pyrimidine antimetabolite gemcitabine (G) (2',2'-difluorodeoxycytidine). GP regimens currently used in Italy for NSCLC were and are mainly based on G day 1, 8 and 15; P on day 2, every 28 days (4 Day-Hospital admissions per cycle). However, the third G dose is frequently omitted because of myelo-toxicity, with a consistent dose decrease of both G and P in comparison with the intended dose. The 24-h lag time from 1(st) G and P has not reasonable clinical pharmacology base. AIM OF THE STUDY: To have a simplified GP regimen based on two Day-Hospital admissions per cycle, with G on day 1 and 8, P after G on day 8; every 21 days, with the goal to use it in the neoadjuvant setting. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was designed as a controlled, prospective, multicentre investigation, based on G (1500 mg/m(2)) on day 1 and 8, and P (100 mg/m(2)) on day 8 immediately following G, administered on a 3-week cycle. Quality of life (EORTC) was valuated in 46 patients out of 95 valuable patients. Restaging procedures were repeated after the 3rd and the 6th cycle. RESULTS: Enrolled patients were 105 (stage IV: 63: IIIB: 29; IIIA: 13). GP cycles were 488 (1 to 6 per patient) 95 patients had at least 3 cycles and 59 of them had further 3 cycles. Myelotoxicity >or= g3 was mainly neutropenia, easily amenable with symptomatic and GCSF therapies (12.6% neutropenic fever); PNS toxicity occurred in 17.9% of patients. QoL was ameliorated (P < 0.05). Therapy was tolerable and gave a Response Rate (RR) of 52.3% after 3 cycles (Intention-to-treat analysis) and of 57.9% in 95 valuable patients who received at least 3 therapy cycles. CONCLUSION: Present results confirm a good efficacy and/or synergism of G to P, with G on day 1 and 8 and P on day 8. This two day-hospital admissions regimen is at least as good as more complex GP regimens, and may be proposed in the neoadjuvant setting.


Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/drug therapy , Cisplatin/administration & dosage , Deoxycytidine/analogs & derivatives , Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy , Adult , Aged , Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/adverse effects , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/mortality , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/pathology , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/psychology , Cisplatin/adverse effects , Deoxycytidine/administration & dosage , Deoxycytidine/adverse effects , Disease Progression , Drug Administration Schedule , Female , Humans , Lung Neoplasms/mortality , Lung Neoplasms/pathology , Lung Neoplasms/psychology , Male , Middle Aged , Neoadjuvant Therapy , Neoplasm Metastasis , Quality of Life , Gemcitabine
16.
J Chemother ; 18(2): 188-91, 2006 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-16736888

ABSTRACT

Seventeen elderly patients with advanced progressive non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were treated with oral etoposide at the daily dose of 100 mg for 14 days every 3-4 weeks with pharmacokinetic monitoring. One partial response and 6 stabilizations were documented with a median overall duration of 13 weeks (range 8-32). The median survival was 24 weeks with an apparent advantage for non-progressive patients (40 weeks vs. 18 weeks). The treatment was well tolerated especially by those patients without concomitant illness, suggesting the crucial role of a careful selection of the geriatric population. Toxicity was not related to the etoposide plasma level, but was clearly dependent on comorbidity. A geriatric assessment rather than chronological age therefore appears to be more reliable in the selection of elderly patients for clinical trials. The easy self-management, favorable toxicity profile and synergy with other compounds makes oral etoposide suitable for further clinical-pharmacological studies in elderly patients.


Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/therapeutic use , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/drug therapy , Etoposide/therapeutic use , Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy , Administration, Oral , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/adverse effects , Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/pharmacokinetics , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/metabolism , Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/pathology , Etoposide/adverse effects , Etoposide/pharmacokinetics , Female , Humans , Lung Neoplasms/metabolism , Lung Neoplasms/secondary , Male , Neoplasm Staging , Survival Rate
17.
J Chemother ; 18(2): 221-4, 2006 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-16736893

ABSTRACT

Angiosarcomas are rare soft tissue malignancies. Typically they originate from the skin of the scalp or face, whereas visceral sarcomas are very rare. We report the case of a 67-year-old man affected by a large angiosarcoma of the kidney. After surgical removal, a rapid peritoneal, visceral and cutaneous diffusion developed. Palliative chemotherapy, based on anthracycline and ifosfamide, which are normally used to treat all other high-grade spindle cell sarcomas, was totally inactive. On the basis of these results and of the biological characteristics of these rare neoplasms it is mandatory to develop other therapeutic approaches. Antiangiogenetic agents are of interest for this disease due to the peculiar origin of the cells of these sarcomas.


Subject(s)
Hemangiosarcoma/drug therapy , Hemangiosarcoma/surgery , Kidney Neoplasms/drug therapy , Kidney Neoplasms/surgery , Aged , Anthracyclines/administration & dosage , Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use , Combined Modality Therapy , Fatal Outcome , Hemangiosarcoma/secondary , Humans , Ifosfamide/administration & dosage , Kidney Neoplasms/pathology , Liver Neoplasms/secondary , Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy , Lung Neoplasms/secondary , Male , Nephrectomy , Palliative Care , Peritoneal Neoplasms/drug therapy , Peritoneal Neoplasms/secondary , Splenic Neoplasms/drug therapy , Splenic Neoplasms/secondary , Treatment Outcome
19.
Clin Cancer Res ; 6(6): 2279-87, 2000 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-10873078

ABSTRACT

Oral idarubicin (IDA) is an active drug in metastatic breast cancer, but its role in the management of this tumor is yet not established completely. To investigate a new modality of IDA administration, a dose-finding study was designed with hyperfractionated doses. The purpose was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), the dose-limiting toxicity (DLT), and the pharmacokinetics of this schedule. IDA was administered twice daily as outpatient therapy in cycles of 3 weeks followed by a 1-week rest. Thirty-one patients with progressive metastatic breast cancer and pretreated with chemotherapy (including epirubicin and doxorubicin) were enrolled. DLT was defined as G4 hematological toxicity or any other toxicity G3 or higher (Bloom and Richardson grading). Inter- and intrapatient dose increases were studied. Pharmacokinetics of IDA and its metabolite idarubicinol (IDOL) were evaluated. IDA dose was increased from 2 mg/day to 10 mg/day, by steps of 1 mg/day, with the larger dose given in the evening. MTD was reached at 10 mg/day. Overall, the therapy cycles were 69 (median/patient, 2; range, 1-6). DLTs were G4 neutropenia associated with leukopenia and thrombocytopenia in one patient and G3 diarrhea in another of the 5 patients in the 10 mg/day cohort. The two patients developing DLT at the daily dose of 10 mg received a dose normalized for body surface of 6.85 and 5.65 mg/m2/day, respectively. We considered 5.5 mg/m2/day to be the MTD. Other toxicities were nausea, vomiting, neutropenia, and diarrhea, grades G1 to G2. By univariate analysis, significant correlations were observed between absolute neutrophil count at nadir and IDA area under the curve (P = 0.022; r = -0.33), IDA Cmax (P = 0.0067; r = -0.38), IDOL area under the curve (P = 0.0009; r = -0.43), and IDOL Cmax (P = 0.0016; r = -0.41), respectively. By multivariate analysis, IDA Cmax was the strongest determinant for neutropenia (R2 = 0.14; P = 0.01). Among the 21 patients evaluable for response, 3 (14.3%) had partial response (lasting 3, 6, and 8 months, respectively), and 6 (28.6%) had a complete arrest of disease progression (lasting 2-6 months). In conclusion, the MTD of this schedule is 10 mg/day and the DLTs are neutropenia and diarrhea. Tolerance was good, and the treatment is feasible as home therapy. Some objective measurable responses were documented in this group of anthracycline-pretreated patients. IDOL could have a role for the pharmacological effect. Further evaluation of this schedule is warranted to assess the activity and toxicity of prolonged oral IDA administration.


Subject(s)
Antibiotics, Antineoplastic/pharmacokinetics , Antibiotics, Antineoplastic/therapeutic use , Breast Neoplasms/drug therapy , Daunorubicin/analogs & derivatives , Idarubicin/pharmacokinetics , Idarubicin/therapeutic use , Paclitaxel/analogs & derivatives , Taxoids , Administration, Oral , Adult , Aged , Antibiotics, Antineoplastic/adverse effects , Antibiotics, Antineoplastic/toxicity , Antineoplastic Agents/adverse effects , Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacokinetics , Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use , Antineoplastic Agents/toxicity , Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use , Area Under Curve , Cyclophosphamide/administration & dosage , Cyclophosphamide/therapeutic use , Daunorubicin/adverse effects , Daunorubicin/pharmacokinetics , Daunorubicin/therapeutic use , Daunorubicin/toxicity , Docetaxel , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Doxorubicin/administration & dosage , Epirubicin/therapeutic use , Female , Fluorouracil/administration & dosage , Fluorouracil/therapeutic use , Humans , Idarubicin/adverse effects , Idarubicin/toxicity , Maximum Tolerated Dose , Methotrexate/administration & dosage , Middle Aged , Neoplasm Metastasis , Paclitaxel/administration & dosage , Time Factors
20.
Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci ; 19(19): 3619-34, 2015 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26502852

ABSTRACT

The advent of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has markedly extended the survival rates of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), leading to suppression even though not eradication of HIV. In HIV infected patients, cancer has become a growing problem, representing the first cause of death. A large number of worldwide studies have shown that HIV infection raises the risk of many non-AIDS defining cancers (NADCs), including squamous cell carcinoma of the anus (SCCA), testis cancer, lung cancer, cancer of the colon and rectum (CRC), skin (basal cell skin carcinoma and melanoma), Hodgkin disease (HD) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Generally in HIV positive patients NADCs are more aggressive and in advanced stage disease than in the general population. In the ART era, however, the outcome of HIV positive patients is more similar as in the general population. Only about lung cancer the outcome seems different between HIV positive and HIV negative patients. The aim of this article is to provide an up-date on NADCs within the activity of the Italian Cooperative Group on AIDS and Tumors (GICAT) to identify clinical prognostic and predicting factors in patients with HIV infection included in the GICAT.


Subject(s)
Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active , HIV Infections/diagnosis , HIV Infections/drug therapy , Neoplasms/diagnosis , Neoplasms/drug therapy , Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/diagnosis , Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/drug therapy , Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/epidemiology , Adult , Aged , Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active/methods , Anus Neoplasms/diagnosis , Anus Neoplasms/drug therapy , Anus Neoplasms/epidemiology , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/diagnosis , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/drug therapy , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/epidemiology , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/diagnosis , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/drug therapy , Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/epidemiology , Female , HIV Infections/epidemiology , HIV Seropositivity/diagnosis , HIV Seropositivity/drug therapy , HIV Seropositivity/epidemiology , Hodgkin Disease/diagnosis , Hodgkin Disease/drug therapy , Hodgkin Disease/epidemiology , Humans , Italy/epidemiology , Liver Neoplasms/diagnosis , Liver Neoplasms/drug therapy , Liver Neoplasms/epidemiology , Lung Neoplasms/diagnosis , Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy , Lung Neoplasms/epidemiology , Male , Middle Aged , Neoplasms/epidemiology , Prognosis , Survival Rate/trends , Treatment Outcome
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