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Background: Patients with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) resistant to the tyrosine kinase inhibitors imatinib and sunitinib may be treated with regorafenib, which resulted in a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 4.8 months in the GRID trial. Also, pazopanib, another tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has been studied in a randomized, placebo-controlled trial (PAZOGIST) in the third line, which showed a PFS of 45.2% 4 months after study entry, but patients intolerant to sunitinib were also included. We designed another trial evaluating pazopanib, enrolling only patients with progression on both imatinib and sunitinib. Patients and methods: Since all eligible patients had progressive disease, we preferred a non-randomized, phase II multicentre trial so that all patients could receive a potentially active drug. Patients had a progressive metastatic or locally advanced GIST and were ≥18 years of age, with a performance status of 0-2, and sufficient organ functions. The primary endpoint was disease control rate (defined as complete remission + partial remission + stable disease) at 12 weeks on pazopanib. A Simon's two-stage analysis was used with an interim analysis 12 weeks after enrollment of the first 22 patients, and if passed, there was a full enrolment of 72 patients. GIST mutational analysis was done, and most patients had pazopanib plasma concentration measured after 12 weeks. Results: Seventy-two patients were enrolled. The disease control rate after 12 weeks was 44%, and the median PFS was 19.6 weeks (95% confidence interval 12.6-23.4 weeks). Pazopanib-related toxicity was moderate and manageable. No statistically significant differences were found related to mutations. Plasma concentrations of pazopanib had a formal but weak correlation with outcome. Conclusion: Pazopanib given in the third line to patients with GIST progressing on both imatinib and sunitinib was beneficial for about half of the patients. The PAGIST trial confirms the resu

Background: Patients with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) resistant to the tyrosine kinase inhibitors imatinib and sunitinib may be treated with regorafenib, which resulted in a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 4.8 months in the GRID trial. Also, pazopanib, another tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has been studied in a randomized, placebo-controlled trial (PAZOGIST) in the third line, which showed a PFS of 45.2% 4 months after study entry, but patients intolerant to sunitinib were also included. We designed another trial evaluating pazopanib, enrolling only patients with progression on both imatinib and sunitinib. Patients and methods: Since all eligible patients had progressive disease, we preferred a non-randomized, phase II multicentre trial so that all patients could receive a potentially active drug. Patients had a progressive metastatic or locally advanced GIST and were ≥18 years of age, with a performance status of 0-2, and sufficient organ functions. The primary endpoint was disease control rate (defined as complete remission + partial remission + stable disease) at 12 weeks on pazopanib. A Simon's two-stage analysis was used with an interim analysis 12 weeks after enrollment of the first 22 patients, and if passed, there was a full enrolment of 72 patients. GIST mutational analysis was done, and most patients had pazopanib plasma concentration measured after 12 weeks. Results: Seventy-two patients were enrolled. The disease control rate after 12 weeks was 44%, and the median PFS was 19.6 weeks (95% confidence interval 12.6-23.4 weeks). Pazopanib-related toxicity was moderate and manageable. No statistically significant differences were found related to mutations. Plasma concentrations of pazopanib had a formal but weak correlation with outcome. Conclusion: Pazopanib given in the third line to patients with GIST progressing on both imatinib and sunitinib was beneficial for about half of the patients. The PAGIST trial confirms the resu

Rituximab-containing induction followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is the standard first-line treatment for young mantle cell lymphoma patients. However, most patients relapse after ASCT. We investigated in a randomised phase II study the outcome of a chemo-immuno regimen and ASCT with or without maintenance therapy with bortezomib. Induction consisted of three cycles R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone), two cycles high-dose cytarabine, BEAM (carmustine, etoposide, cytarabine, melphalan) and ASCT. Patients responding were randomised between bortezomib maintenance (1·3 mg/m2 intravenously once every 2 weeks, for 2 years) and observation. Of 135 eligible patients, 115 (85%) proceeded to ASCT, 60 (44%) were randomised. With a median follow-up of 77·5 months for patients still alive, 5-year event-free survival (EFS) was 51% (95% CI 42–59%); 5-year overall survival (OS) was 73% (95% CI 65–80%). The median follow-up of randomised patients still alive was 71·5 months. Patients with bortezomib maintenance had a 5-year EFS of 63% (95% CI 44–78%) and 5-year OS of 90% (95% CI 72–97%). The patients randomised to observation had 5-year PFS of 60% (95% CI, 40–75%) and OS of 90% (95% CI 72–97%). In conclusion, in this phase II study we found no indication of a positive effect of bortezomib maintenance after ASCT.

Background: Stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) still has a poor prognosis. Prior studies with individualized, accelerated, isotoxic dose escalation (INDAR) with 3D-CRT showed promising results, especially in patients not treated with concurrent chemo-radiotherapy. We investigated if INDAR delivered with IMRT would improve the overall survival (OS) of stage III NSCLC patients treated with concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy.Patients and methods: Patients eligible for concurrent chemo-radiotherapy were entered in this prospective study. Radiotherapy was given to a dose of 45 Gy/30 fractions BID (1.5 Gy/fraction), followed by QD fractions of 2 Gy until a total dose determined by the normal tissue constraints. The primary endpoint was OS, secondary endpoints were loco-regional relapses and toxicity.Results: From May 4, 2009 until April 26, 2012, 185 patients were included. The mean tumor dose was 66.0 +/- 12.8 Gy (36-73 Gy), delivered in a mean of 39.7 fractions in an overall treatment time of 38.2 days. The mean lung dose (MLD) was 17.3 Gy. The median OS was 19.8 months (95% CI 17.3-22.3) with a 5-year OS of 24.3%. Loco-regional failures as first site of recurrence occurred in 59/185 patients (31.8%). Isolated nodal failures (INF) were observed in 3/185 patients (1.6%). Dyspnea grade 3 was seen in 3.2% of patients and transient dysphagia grade 3 in 22%.Conclusions: INDAR with IMRT concurrently with chemotherapy did not lead to a sign of an improved OS in unselected stage III NSCLC patients. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Background: Stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) still has a poor prognosis. Prior studies with individualized, accelerated, isotoxic dose escalation (INDAR) with 3D-CRT showed promising results, especially in patients not treated with concurrent chemo-radiotherapy. We investigated if INDAR delivered with IMRT would improve the overall survival (OS) of stage III NSCLC patients treated with concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy.Patients and methods: Patients eligible for concurrent chemo-radiotherapy were entered in this prospective study. Radiotherapy was given to a dose of 45 Gy/30 fractions BID (1.5 Gy/fraction), followed by QD fractions of 2 Gy until a total dose determined by the normal tissue constraints. The primary endpoint was OS, secondary endpoints were loco-regional relapses and toxicity.Results: From May 4, 2009 until April 26, 2012, 185 patients were included. The mean tumor dose was 66.0 +/- 12.8 Gy (36-73 Gy), delivered in a mean of 39.7 fractions in an overall treatment time of 38.2 days. The mean lung dose (MLD) was 17.3 Gy. The median OS was 19.8 months (95% CI 17.3-22.3) with a 5-year OS of 24.3%. Loco-regional failures as first site of recurrence occurred in 59/185 patients (31.8%). Isolated nodal failures (INF) were observed in 3/185 patients (1.6%). Dyspnea grade 3 was seen in 3.2% of patients and transient dysphagia grade 3 in 22%.Conclusions: INDAR with IMRT concurrently with chemotherapy did not lead to a sign of an improved OS in unselected stage III NSCLC patients. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

PURPOSE: The therapeutic strategy for non-benign meningiomas is controversial. The objective of this study was to prospectively investigate the impact of high dose radiation therapy (RT) on the progression-free survival (PFS) rate at 3 years in WHO grade II and III meningioma patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this multi-cohorts non-randomized phase II and observational study, non-benign meningioma patients were treated according to their WHO grade and Simpson's grade. Patients with atypical meningioma (WHO grade II) and Simpson's grade 1-3 [Arm 1] entered the non-randomized phase II study designed to show a 3-year PFS > 70% (primary endpoint). All other patients entered the 3 observational cohorts: WHO grade II Simpson grade 4-5 [Arm 2] and Grade III Simpson grade 1-3 or 4-5 [Arm 3&4] in which few patients were expected. RESULTS: Between 02/2008 and 06/2013, 78 patients were enrolled into the study. This report focuses on the 56 (median age, 54 years) eligible patients with WHO grade II Simpson's grade 1-3 meningioma who received RT (60 Gy). At a median follow up of 5.1 years, the estimated 3-year PFS is 88.7%, hence significantly greater than 70%. Eight (14.3%) treatment failures were observed. The 3-year overall survival was 98.2%. The rate of late signs and symptoms grade 3 or more was 14.3%. CONCLUSIONS: These data show that 3-year PFS for WHO grade II meningioma patients undergoing a complete resection (Simpson I-III) is superior to 70% when treated with high-dose (60 Gy) RT.

Background: Allergen immunotherapy has proven to be efficacious in allergic rhinitis and asthma. However, results from randomised clinical trials may vary substantially. Clinical trials may unexpectedly fail. The purpose of this review is to discuss the possible factors that may contribute to a successful or unsuccessful study. Methods: Descriptive review exploring the possible causes of negative outcomes in allergen immunotherapy trials. Results: A series of factors may lead to negative results. Among of these are underpowering of the study, low allergen content in tested extracts, insufficient allergen exposure during monitoring and recruitment of inappropriate patients. In addition, the choice of the primary endpoint may be critical. Discussion: A clinical trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of an agent. However, studies with potential effective compounds may fail because of methodical issues. Sometimes, they are the cause of discrepancies between successful phase II and unsuccessful phase III trials. To understand more about failure of studies, investigators and editors should be encouraged to publish negative trials.

Introduction: Two randomized studies have shown an increased progression-free survival (PFS) by adding a radical local treatment to systemic therapy in responding patients with oligometastatic NSCLC, but long-term data are lacking. We updated the results of our previous phase II trial with a minimal follow-up exceeding 7 years.Methods: This is a prospective single-arm phase II trial. The main inclusion criteria were pathologically proven NSCLC stage IV with less than five metastases at primary diagnosis, amendable for radical local treatment (surgery or radiotherapy). No previous response to systemic treatment was needed.Results: Forty patients were enrolled, 39 of whom were evaluable (18 men, 21 women); mean age was 62.1 +/- 9.2 years (range, 44 to 81 years). Twenty-nine (74%) had N2 or N3 disease; 17 (44%) brain, 7 (18%) bone, and 4 (10%) adrenal gland metastases. Thirty-five (87%) had a single metastatic lesion. Thirty-seven (95%) of the patients received chemotherapy as part of their primary treatment. Median overall survival (OS) was 13.5 months (95% confidence interval: 7.6-19.4 months); 1-, 2-, 3-, 5-, and 6- year OS was 56.4%, 23.3%, 12.8%, 10.3%, 7.7%, and 5.1%, respectively. Median PFS was 12.1 months (95% confidence interval: 9.6-14.3 months); 1-, 2-, 3-, 5-, and 6- year OS was 51.3%, 13.6%, %, 12.8%, 7.7%, 7.7%, and 2.5%, respectively. Only three patients (7.7%) had a local recurrence.Conclusions: In patients who were not selected according to response to systemic treatment, the PFS at 5 years was 8%. Entering patients in trials combining local therapy with novel systemic agents (e.g., immunotherapy) remains mandatory. (C) 2018 International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Introduction: Two randomized studies have shown an increased progression-free survival (PFS) by adding a radical local treatment to systemic therapy in responding patients with oligometastatic NSCLC, but long-term data are lacking. We updated the results of our previous phase II trial with a minimal follow-up exceeding 7 years.Methods: This is a prospective single-arm phase II trial. The main inclusion criteria were pathologically proven NSCLC stage IV with less than five metastases at primary diagnosis, amendable for radical local treatment (surgery or radiotherapy). No previous response to systemic treatment was needed.Results: Forty patients were enrolled, 39 of whom were evaluable (18 men, 21 women); mean age was 62.1 +/- 9.2 years (range, 44 to 81 years). Twenty-nine (74%) had N2 or N3 disease; 17 (44%) brain, 7 (18%) bone, and 4 (10%) adrenal gland metastases. Thirty-five (87%) had a single metastatic lesion. Thirty-seven (95%) of the patients received chemotherapy as part of their primary treatment. Median overall survival (OS) was 13.5 months (95% confidence interval: 7.6-19.4 months); 1-, 2-, 3-, 5-, and 6- year OS was 56.4%, 23.3%, 12.8%, 10.3%, 7.7%, and 5.1%, respectively. Median PFS was 12.1 months (95% confidence interval: 9.6-14.3 months); 1-, 2-, 3-, 5-, and 6- year OS was 51.3%, 13.6%, %, 12.8%, 7.7%, 7.7%, and 2.5%, respectively. Only three patients (7.7%) had a local recurrence.Conclusions: In patients who were not selected according to response to systemic treatment, the PFS at 5 years was 8%. Entering patients in trials combining local therapy with novel systemic agents (e.g., immunotherapy) remains mandatory. (C) 2018 International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We conducted a prospective phase II multicentric trial to determine if radical radiation therapy to all metastatic sites might improve the progression-free survival (PFS) in oligometastatic breast cancer patients. Secondary endpoints were local control (LC), overall survival (OS) and toxicity. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Inclusion criteria were the following: oligometastatic breast cancer with ≤5 metastatic sites, FDG-PET/CT staging, no brain metastases, primary tumor controlled. Radiotherapy could be delivered using stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) technique or fractionated intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). SBRT consisted of 30-45Gy in 3 fractions, while IMRT was delivered to a total dose of 60Gy in 25 fractions. We hypothesized that radical radiation therapy could increase the PFS from 30% (according to the published literature) to 50% at two years. RESULTS: 54 Patients with 92 metastatic lesions were enrolled. Forty-four were treated with SBRT, and 10 with IMRT. Forty-eight (89%) patients received a form of systemic therapy concomitantly to radiation therapy. Sites of metastatic disease were the following: bones 60 lesions, lymph nodes 23 lesions, lung 4 lesions, liver 5 lesions. After a median follow-up of 30months (range, 6-55months), 1- and 2-year PFS was 75% and 53%, respectively. Two-year LC and OS were 97% and 95%, respectively. Radiation therapy was well tolerated, and no Grade ≥3 toxicity was documented. Grade 2 toxicity were pain and fatigue in 2 cases. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with oligometastatic breast cancer treated with radical radiotherapy to all metastatic sites may achieve long-term progression-free survival, without significant treatment-related toxicity. While waiting for data from randomized trials, the use of radical radiation therapy to all metastatic sites in patients with oligometastatic breast cancer should be considered a valuable option, and its recommendation should be individualized.

Background Primary radiochemotherapy with photons is the standard treatment for locally advanced-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Acute radiation-induced side effects such as oesophagitis and radiation pneumonitis limit patients’ quality of life, and the latter can be potentially life-threatening. Due to its distinct physical characteristics, proton therapy enables better sparing of normal tissues, which is supposed to translate into a reduction of radiation-induced side effects. Methods/design This is a single-centre, prospective, randomised controlled, phase II clinical trial to compare photon to proton radiotherapy up to 66 Gy (RBE) with concomitant standard chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced-stage NSCLC. Patients will be allocated in a 1:1 ratio to photon or proton therapy, and treatment will be delivered slightly accelerated with six fractions of 2 Gy (RBE) per week. Discussion The overall aim of the study is to show a decrease of early and intermediate radiation-induced toxicity using proton therapy. For the primary endpoint of the study we postulate a decrease of radiation-induced side effects (oesophagitis and pneumonitis grade II or higher) from 39 to 12%. Secondary endpoints are locoregional and distant failure, overall survival and late side effects. Trial registration Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with Identifier NCT02731001 on 1 April 2016.

BACKGROUND: Primary radiochemotherapy with photons is the standard treatment for locally advanced-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Acute radiation-induced side effects such as oesophagitis and radiation pneumonitis limit patients' quality of life, and the latter can be potentially life-threatening. Due to its distinct physical characteristics, proton therapy enables better sparing of normal tissues, which is supposed to translate into a reduction of radiation-induced side effects. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a single-centre, prospective, randomised controlled, phase II clinical trial to compare photon to proton radiotherapy up to 66 Gy (RBE) with concomitant standard chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced-stage NSCLC. Patients will be allocated in a 1:1 ratio to photon or proton therapy, and treatment will be delivered slightly accelerated with six fractions of 2 Gy (RBE) per week. DISCUSSION: The overall aim of the study is to show a decrease of early and intermediate radiation-induced toxicity using proton therapy. For the primary endpoint of the study we postulate a decrease of radiation-induced side effects (oesophagitis and pneumonitis grade II or higher) from 39 to 12%. Secondary endpoints are locoregional and distant failure, overall survival and late side effects. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with Identifier NCT02731001 on 1 April 2016.

The aim of this study was to assess the objective response rate (ORR) of children and young adults with recurrent medulloblastoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor (MB/PNET) treated with temozolomide (TMZ). The secondary purpose was to analyze the toxicity profile of TMZ when administered orally for 5 days in 3 divided daily doses every 28 days.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to assess the objective response rate (ORR) of children and young adults with recurrent medulloblastoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor (MB/PNET) treated with temozolomide (TMZ). The secondary purpose was to analyze the toxicity profile of TMZ when administered orally for 5 days in 3 divided daily doses every 28 days.MethodsForty-two patients with recurrent MB/PNET, aged 21 years and younger, were recruited. Patients were treated with oral TMZ. Starting doses ranged from 120 to 200 mg/m(2)/day based on previous treatments. A craniospinal MRI was performed prior to the first cycle of TMZ and following every 2 cycles of treatment.ResultsMedian age was 10 years (range, 2-21 years). Forty of 42 patients were assessed for response and toxicity. The objective response rate was 42.5%: 6 patients achieved a complete response, 11 had a partial response, and 10 had stable disease. Progression-free survival rates for all patients at 6 and 12 months were 30% and 7.5%, respectively. Their median overall survival rates at 6 and 12 months were 42.5% and 17.5%, respectively. No major extrahematological effects or life-threatening events were reported. The most common grade 3/4 toxicity included thrombocytopenia (17.5%), neutropenia (7.5%), and anemia (2.5%).ConclusionsTMZ proved to be an effective agent in children and young adults with MB/PNET, heavily pre-treated, with a tolerable toxicity profile.

To report the acute toxicity of a hypofractionated regimen of intensity-modulated radiotherapy with simultaneous integrated boost (SIB-IMRT) to the pelvic nodes and the prostatic bed after radical prostatectomy.

Background: Sagopilone (ZK 219477), a lipophylic and synthetic analog of epothilone B, that crosses the blood-brain barrier has demonstrated preclinical activity in glioma models. Patients and methods: Patients with first recurrence/progression of glioblastoma were eligible for this early phase II and pharmacokinetic study exploring single-agent sagopilone (16 mg/m2over 3 h every 21 days). Primary end point was a composite of either tumor response or being alive and progression free at 6 months. Overall survival, toxicity and safety and pharmacokinetics were secondary end points. Results: Thirty-eight (evaluable 37) patients were included. Treatment was well tolerated, and neuropathy occurred in 46% patients [mild (grade 1): 32%]. No objective responses were seen. The progression-free survival (PFS) rate at 6 months was 6.7% [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3-18.7], the median PFS was just over 6 weeks, and the median overall survival was 7.6 months (95% CI 5.3-12.3), with a 1-year survival rate of 31.6% (95% CI 17.7-46.4). Maximum plasma concentrations were reached at the end of the 3-h infusion, with rapid declines within 30 min after termination. Conclusions: No evidence of relevant clinical antitumor activity against recurrent glioblastoma could be detected. Sagopilone was well tolerated, and moderate-to-severe peripheral neuropathy was observed in despite prolonged administration.

Aims: BI 2536 is a selective and potent small-molecule inhibitor of polo-like kinase 1. We performed a multi-centre, multi-tumour phase II trial to investigate the efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetics of BI 2536 in five solid tumour types. Patients and methods: Patients with advanced head and neck, breast and ovarian cancer, soft tissue sarcoma and melanoma were selected according to protocol-defined general and tumour-specific criteria. They were >= 18 years old, had a good performance status, adequate bone marrow, renal and liver function, measurable progressive disease and had completed other relevant systemic treatments >4 weeks ago. BI 2536 200-250 mg was given intravenously on day 1 every 3 weeks until intolerance, progression or refusal. The study was based on a Simon two-stage design, with 12 patients entering in stage 1 and additional 25 patients to be entered in case of at least one response in the first stage. The rate of objective responses (RECIST criteria) was chosen as primary end-point. Results: Seventy six patients were included, 71 started treatment and received a median number of two cycles (four in ovarian cancer). Frequent grade 3-4 adverse events were neutropaenia (81.6%), thrombocytopaenia (19.7%), febrile neutropaenia (19.7%), anaemia (15.5%) and pain (9.9%). We did not observe confirmed objective responses. All cohorts were closed after the entry of 14-15 eligible non-responding patients. Pharmacokinetic analyses revealed multi-compartmental behaviour and a rapid distribution of BI 2536. Conclusions: BI 2536 showed limited antitumour activity according to the design of this trial in five different tumour types. Derivatives of BI 2536 with a more favourable pharmacological profile are currently explored further in prospective studies. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC; protocol 08031) phase II trial investigated the feasibility of trimodality therapy consisting of induction chemotherapy followed by extrapleural pneumonectomy and post-operative radiotherapy in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (with a severity of cT3N1M0 or less). Induction chemotherapy consisted of three courses of cisplatin 75 mg·m -2 and pemetrexed 500 mg·m -2. Nonprogressing patients underwent extrapleural pneumonectomy followed by postoperative radiotherapy (54 Gy, 30 fractions). Our primary end-point was "success of treatment" and our secondary end-points were toxicity, and overall and progression-free survival. 59 patients were registered, one of whom was ineligible. Subjects' median age was 57 yrs. The subjects' TNM scores were as follows: cT1, T2 and T3, 36, 16 and six patients, respectively; cN0 and N1, 57 and one patient, respectively. 55 (93%) patients received three cycles of chemotherapy with only mild toxicity. 46 (79%) patients received surgery and 42 (74%) had extrapleural pneumonectomy with a 90-day mortality of 6.5%. Post-operative radiotherapy was completed in 37 (65%) patients. Grade 3-4 toxicity persisted after 90 days in three (5.3%) patients. Median overall survival time was 18.4 months (95% CI 15.6-32.9) and median progression-free survival was 13.9 months (95% CI 10.9-17.2). Only 24 (42%) patients met the definition of success (one-sided 90% CI 0.36-1.00). Although feasible, trimodality therapy in patients with mesothelioma was not completed within the strictly defined timelines of this protocol and adjustments are necessary. Copyright

BACKGROUND. The aim of the current randomized Phase II study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of capecitabine combined with irinotecan as first-line treatment in metastatic colorectal carcinoma (CRC). METHODS. A total of 140 patients received capecitabine at a dose of 1250 mg/m2 twice daily on Days 2-15 and irinotecan at a dose of either 300 mg/m2 on Day 1 (Arm A) or 150 mg/m2 on Days 1 and 8 (Arm B) every 3 weeks. During the course of the study, enrollment was continued using lower doses of capecitabine (1000 mg/m2 twice daily) and irinotecan (Arm A: 240 mg/m2; Arm B: 120 mg/m2) to improve the safety profile of the combinations. RESULTS. Efficacy was evaluable in 134 patients (68 in Arm A, 66 in Arm B). Objective responses were observed in 46% of the patients (8% complete response [CR]), including 47% in Arm A (9% CR; 38% partial response [PR]) and 44% in Arm B (8% CR; 36% PR). The median progression-free survival was 8.3 months in Arm A and 7.6 months in Arm B. Among the first 52 patients treated with the higher doses, the most frequent Grade 3-4 adverse event was diarrhea (27%). The lower doses adopted in the subsequent 88 patients led to better diarrhea control, particularly in Arm A, and significant reductions in the incidence of all-grade hand-foot syndrome and abdominal pain. CONCLUSIONS. The capecitabine and irinotecan combination was a highly active first-line therapy in metastatic CRC. An acceptable safety profile was observed after dose reduction, particularly when irinotecan was administered on 1 day.

Objectives. To investigate tumor response rate and treatment toxicity of a modified combination chemotherapy consisting of bleomycin (B), methotrexate (M), and CCNU (C) for patients with locally advanced, squamous-cell carcinoma of the vulva (not amenable to resection by standard radical vulvectomy) or recurrent disease (after incomplete resection). Tumor resectability was reassessed in patients who had responded to chemotherapy. Methods. The regimen consisted of bleomycin 5 mg intramuscular (im) days 1-5, CCNU 40 mg per os (po) days 5-7, and methotrexate 15 mg po days 1 and 4 during the first week. During weeks 2-6 the patient was administered bleomycin 5 mg im days 1 and 4, and methotrexate 15 mg po on day 1 of the week. This 6-week cycle was repeated at 49-day intervals. Results. Twenty-five eligible patients with a median age of 66 years (range, 39-82 years) were entered in this phase II trial. Twelve patients had primary locally advanced disease, 13 patients had a locoregional recurrence, and all received up to three BMC cycles. Two complete and twelve partial responses were observed (response rate, 56%; 95% confidence limits, 35-76%). The BMC regimen was associated with major hematological side effects and mild signs of bleomycin-related pulmonary toxicity. At a median follow-up of 8 months, 3 patients were alive, 18 had died due to malignant disease, 2 had died due to toxicity, and 2 had died due to intercurrent disease and unknown cause. The median progression-free survival was 4.8 months and the median survival was 7.8 months. The 1-year survival was 32% (95% confidence limits, 13-51%). Conclusion. The present data confirm the therapeutic activity of the BMC regimen in locoregionally advanced or recurrent squamous-cell carcinoma of the vulva. Following neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the overall response rate was 56%. BMC is an outpatient treatment that may play a role in the palliative therapy of advanced or recurrent vulva cancer. (C) 2001 Academic Press.

Background: Both gemcitabine and etoposide are active in the treatment of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), and are characterised by mild toxicity profiles. The combination of both drugs was found to be feasible and active in a phase I dose-finding study in solid tumours. Therefore, a phase II trial was initiated to examine the activity and toxicity of this schedule in extensive disease SCLC. Patients and methods: Forty-two chemo-naive extensive disease SCLC patients were enrolled to receive gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2, days i, 8 and 15, and etoposide 80 mg/m2, days 8, 9 and 10 of a 28-day cycle. Results: Thirty-seven patients were evaluable for efficacy (five received less than one cycle). No complete responses were observed, but partial responses were seen in 17 patients, yielding an overall response rate of 46%. The median duration of response was 5.8 months. Disease stabilisation was obtained in another 10 patients (27%). The median survival of the 37 protocol-qualified patients was 10.5 months (95% confidence interval (CI): 7.512.0). The levels of WHO grade 3 and 4 toxicities were low and clinically manageable. Conclusion: In comparison with standard platinum-based regimens, this combination of gemcitabine and etoposide resulted in a somewhat lower response rate, but a similar median survival time. Haematological toxicity was more pronounced than expected from the toxicity data of each agent individually. However, because of its mild non-haematological toxicity, and its ability to be administered in an outpatient setting, this combination provides a reasonable palliative option for patients with extensive disease SCLC.

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical activity and toxicity of a modified PVB regimen (cisplatin, vinblastine and bleomycin) in patients with advanced or recurrent, pure granulosa cell tumours (GCTs) or mixed granulosa-theca cell tumours (GTCTs). The PVB regimen consisted of cisplatin (P) 20 mg/m(2) intravenous (i.v.) days 1-5, vinblastine (V) 0.15 mg/kg i.v. days 1-2 and bleomycin (B) 30 mg i.v. on day 2, and 15 mg on day 15, for 28 days. 38 eligible patients were entered in this trial. Prior to PVB all patients underwent surgery and 13 received postoperative radio- or other prior chemotherapy. The median number of PVB cycles was 4 in both groups. In the group of 25 patients who had received prior surgery only, 7 and 6 patients had complete and partial responses, respectively (response rate: 52%, 95% confidence limits: 31.3-72.2%). At a median follow-up of 39 months, 6 patients were alive with no evidence of disease, 6 were alive with disease, 12 died due to malignant disease and 1 died due to intercurrent disease. The median time to progression was 13.9 months. The median survival was 25.4 months. 3-year survival was 49% (95% confidence limits: 29-69%). In the group of 13 patients who had previously received postoperative radio- or chemotherapy, 5 complete and 5 partial responses were observed on PVB (response Fate: 77%, 95% confidence limit: 46.2-95.0%). At a median follow-up of 50 months, 6 patients were still alive, only 1 without evidence of disease, 6 died due to malignant disease and 1 died due to intercurrent disease. The median time to progression was 19.3 months. The median duration of survival was 41.1 months. Accompanying toxicity was distributed in a similar pattern for both groups. Severe toxicity was mainly documented as haematological toxicity, nausea/vomiting and alopecia. Furthermore cisplatin-related peripheral neurotoxicity and mild/moderate signs of bleomycin-related pulmonary toxicity were observed. The present data confirm the

BACKGROUND: Docetaxel (Taxotere) is a new cytotoxic agent acting as a promoter of tubulin polymerisation with broad spectrum antitumor activity in preclinical testing. Phase I clinical trials have shown promising activity of docetaxel in patients with breast, ovarian and lung carcinomas. The objective of this open multicentre phase II study was to determine the efficacy and tolerability of this agent in patients with head and neck cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with proven advanced and/or recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck without prior chemotherapy for advanced disease were eligible for this trial. Docetaxel was given at a dose of 100 mg/m2 as a 1 hour infusion every 3 weeks. Dose reductions were performed according to hematological and non-hematological toxicities. No pre-medication was given to prevent hypersensitivity reactions. RESULTS: Fourty-three patients entered this trial: 39 patients were evaluable for toxicity and 37 patients were evaluable for response. Sixty-five percent of the patients had locoregional disease, 28% had metastatic disease, and 7% had both. Twenty-five percent of the patients had previously received neo-adjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy. A total of 166 docetaxel courses were administered. The most frequent side-effects associated with docetaxel were alopecia (90% of the patients), asthenia (69% of the patients) and short lasting neutropenia (grade 3-4 neutropenia in 61% of the courses). Fifty-four percent of the patients experienced skin toxicity, 23% experienced hypersensitivity reaction, and 31% developed peripheral edema. Ten partial and 2 complete responses were observed, yielding a response rate of 32% (95% confidence interval 17%-47%). CONCLUSION: Docetaxel is an active drug in patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck., Clinical Trial, Clinical Trial, Phase II, Journal Article, Multicenter Study, SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

BACKGROUND: Docetaxel (Taxotere) is a new cytotoxic agent acting as a promoter of tubulin polymerisation with broad spectrum antitumor activity in preclinical testing. Phase I clinical trials have shown promising activity of docetaxel in patients with breast, ovarian and lung carcinomas. The objective of this open multicentre phase II study was to determine the efficacy and tolerability of this agent in patients with head and neck cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with proven advanced and/or recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck without prior chemotherapy for advanced disease were eligible for this trial. Docetaxel was given at a dose of 100 mg/m2 as a 1 hour infusion every 3 weeks. Dose reductions were performed according to hematological and non-hematological toxicities. No pre-medication was given to prevent hypersensitivity reactions. RESULTS: Fourty-three patients entered this trial: 39 patients were evaluable for toxicity and 37 patients were evaluable for response. Sixty-five percent of the patients had locoregional disease, 28% had metastatic disease, and 7% had both. Twenty-five percent of the patients had previously received neo-adjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy. A total of 166 docetaxel courses were administered. The most frequent side-effects associated with docetaxel were alopecia (90% of the patients), asthenia (69% of the patients) and short lasting neutropenia (grade 3-4 neutropenia in 61% of the courses). Fifty-four percent of the patients experienced skin toxicity, 23% experienced hypersensitivity reaction, and 31% developed peripheral edema. Ten partial and 2 complete responses were observed, yielding a response rate of 32% (95% confidence interval 17%-47%). CONCLUSION: Docetaxel is an active drug in patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck., Clinical Trial, Clinical Trial, Phase II, Journal Article, Multicenter Study, SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

Phase II trials of flavone acetic acid have been performed in a total of 87 patients including 17 with advanced breast cancer, 23 with advanced colorectal cancer, 25 with advanced malignant melanoma and 22 with advanced head and neck cancer. Patients with colorectal cancer and melanoma had received no prior chemotherapy; in breast and head and neck cancer patients prior chemotherapy had been given with a median of 5 and 2 drugs respectively. The schedule used was a once-weekly regime, with a dose of 4.8 gms/m2 given as a 1 hour infusion, together with alkalinization (with i.v. sodium bicarbonate) given before and after FAA. Reassessment was performed after 6 weekly doses, although in 23 patients fewer than 6 doses were given, because of early disease progression in 15, and undue toxicity in 5. An additional 3 patients died within 72 hours of having received FAA and, although the precise cause of death in each case was not established, FAA toxicity could not be excluded. Treatment was generally manageable, the major manifestations of toxicity comprising uncomfortable warmth and flushes, nausea, diarrhoea, and visual complaints. Hypotension was also documented in 8 patients. No objective responses were seen in any of the patient sub-groups, although disease-stabilization was seen in 3 patients with breast cancer, 1 patient with advanced colorectal cancer, 2 patients with advanced melanoma and 4 patients with head and neck cancer. Further Phase II studies, using a higher dose of 8.6 gm/m2 over 6 hours once weekly, are currently in progress in Europe. However, Phase II studies to date indicate no antitumor activity of FAA given weekly as a single agent at the maximally tolerated dose over 1 hour. © 1990 Kluwer Academic Publishers., SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

Phase II trials of flavone acetic acid have been performed in a total of 87 patients including 17 with advanced breast cancer, 23 with advanced colorectal cancer, 25 with advanced malignant melanoma and 22 with advanced head and neck cancer. Patients with colorectal cancer and melanoma had received no prior chemotherapy; in breast and head and neck cancer patients prior chemotherapy had been given with a median of 5 and 2 drugs respectively. The schedule used was a once-weekly regime, with a dose of 4.8 gms/m2 given as a 1 hour infusion, together with alkalinization (with i.v. sodium bicarbonate) given before and after FAA. Reassessment was performed after 6 weekly doses, although in 23 patients fewer than 6 doses were given, because of early disease progression in 15, and undue toxicity in 5. An additional 3 patients died within 72 hours of having received FAA and, although the precise cause of death in each case was not established, FAA toxicity could not be excluded. Treatment was generally manageable, the major manifestations of toxicity comprising uncomfortable warmth and flushes, nausea, diarrhoea, and visual complaints. Hypotension was also documented in 8 patients. No objective responses were seen in any of the patient sub-groups, although disease-stabilization was seen in 3 patients with breast cancer, 1 patient with advanced colorectal cancer, 2 patients with advanced melanoma and 4 patients with head and neck cancer. Further Phase II studies, using a higher dose of 8.6 gm/m2 over 6 hours once weekly, are currently in progress in Europe. However, Phase II studies to date indicate no antitumor activity of FAA given weekly as a single agent at the maximally tolerated dose over 1 hour. © 1990 Kluwer Academic Publishers., SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published