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Topotecan and etoposide as first-line therapy for extensive disease small cell lung cancer: a phase II trial of a platinum-free regimen
- Source :
-
Lung Cancer (01695002) . Jun2005, Vol. 48 Issue 3, p409-413. 5p. - Publication Year :
- 2005
-
Abstract
- Summary: In the treatment of extensive disease of small cell lung cancer (ED SCLC) there is an urgent need for more effective and better-tolerated drug regimens. We report on a prospective phase II trial performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a platinum-free regimen—containing topotecan and etoposide—in the first-line treatment of ED SCLC. Between December 1999 and July 2001, 28 chemotherapy-naive patients with ED SCLC were recruited; 9 patients had stage IIIB disease and 19 patients had stage IV disease. Based on phase I results, patients received treatment with intravenous topotecan 1mg/m2 (days 1–5) followed by intravenous etoposide 75mg/m2 (days 8–10). Treatment courses were repeated every 28 days for a maximum of 6 cycles. A confirmed response rate of 46.4% with 1 complete response (CR) and 12 partial responses (PR) (95% CI=27.5–66.1%) was observed. Stable disease (SD) was observed in 18% of patients. The median time to response was 7.9 weeks (range: 7.7–15.1 weeks) and median survival was 29.9 weeks (range from 3.3 to 91.4 weeks). Main toxicities encountered were haematological with Grade III/IV neutropenia in 2.6/1.5% of courses and Grade III/IV thrombocytopenia in 1.8%/0.7% of courses. These toxicities were manageable and were not associated with clinical sequels. Non-haematological toxicities were generally mild with no Grade III/IV toxicities reported apart from Grade III alopecia. The combination therapy of topotecan and etoposide is active in first-line chemotherapy for patients with ED SCLC. The regimen showed a tolerable safety profile. Since drug scheduling plays a critical role in the combination of topoisomerase I and II inhibitors, concurrent administration of topotecan and etoposide might increase the efficacy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Subjects :
- *LUNG cancer
*CANCER treatment
*ETOPOSIDE
*ANTINEOPLASTIC agents
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 01695002
- Volume :
- 48
- Issue :
- 3
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Lung Cancer (01695002)
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 17810625
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lungcan.2004.11.013