RESUMEN
This phase II trial investigated rituximab and cladribine in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Four induction cycles, comprising cladribine (0.1 mg/kg/day days 1-5, cycles 1-4) and rituximab (375 mg/m(2) day 1, cycles 2-4), were given every 28 days. Stem cell mobilization (rituximab 375 mg/m(2) days 1 and 8; cyclophosphamide 4 g/m(2) day 2; and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor 10 microg/kg/day, from day 4) was performed in responders. Of 42 patients, nine achieved complete remission (CR), 15 very good partial remission, and two nodular partial remission (overall response rate 62%). Stem cell mobilization and harvesting (> or = 2 x 10(6) stem cells/kg body weight) were successful in 12 of 20 patients. Rituximab infusion-related adverse events were moderate. The main grade 3/4 adverse events during induction were neutropenia and lymphocytopenia. Rituximab plus cladribine was effective; however, the CR rate was modest and stem cell harvest was impaired in a large number of responding patients.
Asunto(s)
Anticuerpos Monoclonales/administración & dosificación , Protocolos de Quimioterapia Combinada Antineoplásica/uso terapéutico , Cladribina/administración & dosificación , Movilización de Célula Madre Hematopoyética/métodos , Leucemia Linfocítica Crónica de Células B/terapia , Adulto , Anciano , Anticuerpos Monoclonales/efectos adversos , Anticuerpos Monoclonales de Origen Murino , Protocolos de Quimioterapia Combinada Antineoplásica/efectos adversos , Cladribina/efectos adversos , Terapia Combinada , Ciclofosfamida/administración & dosificación , Ciclofosfamida/efectos adversos , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Esquema de Medicación , Estudios de Factibilidad , Femenino , Factor Estimulante de Colonias de Granulocitos/administración & dosificación , Factor Estimulante de Colonias de Granulocitos/efectos adversos , Trasplante de Células Madre Hematopoyéticas/métodos , Humanos , Leucemia Linfocítica Crónica de Células B/tratamiento farmacológico , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Inducción de Remisión , Rituximab , Acondicionamiento Pretrasplante , Resultado del TratamientoRESUMEN
PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of palliative chemotherapy with gemcitabine plus capecitabine (GemCap) on patient-reported outcomes measured using clinical benefit response (CBR) and quality-of-life (QOL) measures in patients with advanced biliary tract cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients had to manifest symptoms of advanced biliary tract cancer and have at least one of the following: impaired Karnofsky performance score (60 to 80), average analgesic consumption >or= 10 mg of morphine equivalents per day, and average pain intensity score of >or= 20 mm out of 100 mm. Treatment consisted of oral capecitabine 650 mg/m(2) twice daily on days 1 through 14 plus gemcitabine 1,000 mg/m(2) as a 30-minute infusion on days 1 and 8 every 3 weeks until progression. The primary end point was the number of patients categorized as having a CBR or stable CBR (SCBR) during the first three treatment cycles. RESULTS: Forty-four patients were enrolled (bile duct cancer, n = 36; gallbladder cancers, n = 8). The main grade 3 or 4 adverse events included hematologic toxicity and fatigue. After three cycles, 36% of patients achieved a CBR, and 34% achieved an SCBR. Over the full course of treatment, 57% of patients achieved a CBR, and 18% achieved an SCBR. Improved QOL was observed in patients with a CBR or SCBR. The objective response rate was 25%. Median time to progression and overall survival times were 7.2 months and 13.2 months, respectively. CONCLUSION: Chemotherapy with GemCap is well tolerated and effective and leads to a high CBR rate. Patient-reported outcomes are useful for evaluating the effects of palliative chemotherapy in patients with biliary tract cancer.