Final results of PX-171–003-A0, part 1 of an open-label, single-arm, phase II study of carfilzomib (CFZ) in patients (pts) with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (MM)

8504

Background: CFZ is a novel proteasome inhibitor of the epoxyketone class that exhibits a high level of proteasome selectivityand demonstrates antitumor activity in bortezomib (BTZ)-resistant MM pts in phase I studies. Methods: PX-171–003-A0 was an open-label, multicenter study that enrolled MM pts who relapsed from >2 prior therapies, failed BTZ and at least 1 immunomodulatory agent [thalidomide (THAL) or lenalidomide (LEN)], and were refractory to last treatment [progressing on or within 60 d of last therapy or <25% response to last therapy]. Pts received CFZ 20 mg/m2 IV d 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16 every 28 d for up to 12 cycles (C). Clinical benefit response (CBR) was defined as MR or better. Results: 46 pts were enrolled, including 78% with progression on or within 60 d of last therapy and 22% with no response to last therapy. 39 pts completed at least 1 C of CFZ, had measurable M-protein, and were evaluable for response. Median prior therapies was 5 (range 2–15). 100% of pts received prior BTZ, 91% prior THAL, 89% prior LEN, and 83% prior stem cell transplant (SCT) and all had failed combinations including anthracyclines (80%) and/or alkylating agents (94%). Pts received a median of 3 C (range 1–12); 13 pts completed ≥6 C. CBR was 26% (10/39 eval pts), including 5 pts achieving PR and 5 pts achieving MR. 5 BTZ-refractory pts achieved MR or PR. Median TTP was 6.2 mo, the median DOR for the MR + PR was 7.4 mo. 8/10 pts achieved response during C1. 16 additional pts achieved SD for at least 6 wks. The most common adverse events were fatigue, anemia, thrombocytopenia, nausea, upper respiratory infection, increased creatinine and diarrhea. Peripheral neuropathy occured in < 10% of pts with 1 Gr 3 in a pt with pre-existing Gr 2. Conclusions: Single-agent CFZ achieved a TTP of > 6 mo in relapsed and refractory MM pts who failed available therapies. 26% of patients had at least an MR and median duration of >7 mo with this steroid- and anthracycline-sparing regimen. CFZ toxicities were manageable and importantly, exacerbation of pre-existing PN was rare. The study has been expanded to enroll an additional 250 pts in this unmet medical need population at an escalated dose, and treatment has been extended beyond a year.

[Table: see text]

Multiple biomarker expression in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from locally advanced/inflammatory (LA/IBC) and metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients (pts)

1092

Background: Numeration of CTCs from MBC pts is predictive of outcome. Quantitative changes in CTC-s are currently tested for their potential to monitor therapy (Rx). Biomarker characterization of CTCs may be a useful adjunctive guide for Rx selection. Methods: At the COHCC between May 1, 2008 and December 31, 2008, consecutively treated pts with LABC/IBC, or with newly diagnosed/progressing MBC were accrued. Blood samples (20–30 mL) were procured prior to initiating neoadjuvant (neo)Rx (LABC and IBC patients) or systemic Rx (MBC), and were sent to PARC for analysis. A novel high-speed scanning instrument located CTCs from cytokeratin (CK) labeling enabling high resolution images to be selectively acquired using digital microscopy. From these images, CTCs were identified by CK, DAPI (nuclear marker) and CD45, and protein expression levels were determined for HER-2, estrogen receptor (ER), Excision repair cross-complementation group 1 (ERCC1), and EGFR. Cell lines with expression of each marker were used for normalization of the cell intensities, and a scoring system was used to account for relative number and expression levels of markers on the CTCs. Results: Twenty-seven pts with LABC, 4 pts with IBC, and 11 pts with MBC were enrolled. We have observed CTCs prior to initiating neoRx in all pts with IBC relative to 39% of all LABC/IBC cases, and in 57% of pts (n:14) with HER-2+ primary BC versus 24% (n = 17) with HER-2- BC . ER status, size, or grade did not predict for CTC detection. Numeration of CTCs was seen in 45% of pts with MBC. Expression of EGFR and ERCC1 was detected in 3 of 4, and 2 of 4 tested CTC samples from MBC cases. Expression of HER-2 and ER was observed on 1 of 3 and 3 of 4 CTC samples; there was discrepancy between the CTC expression profile and HER-2 and ER status of the primary BC in one case each. Conclusions: Detecting multiple markers in CTCs from pts with MBC is feasible, and similar testing in LABC/IBC patients is needed. Such multiplex testing may allow for more personalized Rx for pts with LABC/IBC and MBC.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Recommendation of adjuvant chemotherapy and trastuzumab in older adults with HER2-positive breast cancer: A survey of oncologists

9547

Background: Though substantial evidence supports the use of adjuvant trastuzumab in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer, a lesser amount of data is available to guide use of this therapy in older adults. The objective of the current study is to understand how patient age and health status impact the oncologists' decision to recommend adjuvant therapy in older women with HER2-positive breast cancer. Methods: Medical oncologists (n=151) participated in an online survey comprised of case scenarios with patients of varying age (70, 75, 80, 85) and health status (good, average, poor) with a T2(4 cm) N2(4+ LN) ER(-), HER2(+) breast cancer. Oncologists could offer the hypothetical patient treatment with chemotherapy and trastuzumab, chemotherapy alone, trastuzumab alone, or no therapy. The influence of age and health status on treatment recommendations was assessed using a generalized linear mixed-effects model. Results: With increasing age and deterioration of health status, the recommendation for chemotherapy with trastuzumab decreased (P<0.0001 for both). In contrast, recommendation for trastuzumab alone or no therapy increased with advancing age (P<0.0001 for both) and deteriorating health status (P<0.0035 and P=0.059, respectively). Chemotherapy alone was not frequently recommended, irrespective of age or health status. Conclusions: Given the relative dearth of evidence-based data for adjuvant treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer in older adults of varying health, oncologists recommend a diverse array of therapeutic approaches for this subgroup. Increasing age and declining health status lead to more frequent recommendation of trastuzumab alone or no therapy, and less frequent recommendation of chemotherapy with trastuzumab.

[Table: see text]

[Table: see text]

Dasatinib plus capecitabine (Cap) for progressive advanced breast cancer (ABC): Phase I study CA180004

1012

Background: SRC family kinases (SFK) mediate numerous signal-transduction pathways relevant to breast cancer as well as osteoclast function. Dasatinib, a potent oral inhibitor of SFK and other kinases has preclinical activity in breast models and in vitro synergy with Cap in some breast cancer cell lines (KPL-4 and HCC-70). A phase I trial of dasatinib plus Cap was conducted to define dose-limiting toxicities (DLT), maximum tolerated (MTD), and recommended phase II (RP2D) doses. Methods: Sequential cohorts of pts with ABC were treated with Cap twice daily (BID) on days 1–14 and dasatinib daily in 21-day cycles using dose levels (DL) for Cap (mg/m2) and dasatinib (mg): DL1: Cap 825 + dasatinib 50 BID; DL2: Cap 825 + dasatinib 70 BID; DL3: Cap 1000 + dasatinib 70 BID; DL3a: Cap 1000 + dasatinib 100 once daily (QD). All pts had ECOG performance status 0–1, had prior anthracycline and/or taxane, and received ≤2 regimens in advanced setting. MTD was based on DLT in first cycle and RP2D also based on tolerability of additional cycles. Results: 31 pts with ABC, median age 53 years (range 36–78) were treated. Number of pts treated/evaluable for DLT/reported DLT (event) were DL1: 7/6/1 (headache, grade 3); DL2: 9/7/0; DL3: 6/6/1 (diarrhea, grade 3), and DL3a: 9/9/1 (pneumonia, grade 3). Most frequent AEs related to either drug and occurring at any time on study (n pts) were nausea (12), vomiting (7), diarrhea (6), abdominal pain (2), fatigue (8), headache (7), musculoskeletal pain (1), and pleural effusion (4); hand-foot syndrome (5) was as expected for Cap alone. 11 patients experienced a Grade 3–4 non-hematologic AE at some point during the study. Laboratory abnormalities were uncommon. To date, 20 pts have continued treatment for ≥6 weeks and 9 pts for ≥12 weeks. Number of pts who (at any time) reduced dasatinib/reduced Cap/discontinued for toxicity were DL1: 2/2/1; DL2 2/2/3; DL3: 2/1/2; DL3a: 0/1/1. Updated safety and efficacy data will be presented. Conclusions: Dasatinib + Cap was tolerated without unexpected combined-treatment toxicity; few pts required dose reduction in later cycles. The recommended phase II dose, Cap 1000 plus dasatinib 100 QD, is well tolerated and will be studied for efficacy in an expanded patient cohort.

[Table: see text]

A phase II multicenter study of CNTO 328, an anti-IL-6 monoclonal antibody, in patients (pts) with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (MM)

8527

Background: Relapsed/refractory MM constitutes a specific and unmet medical need with poor overall response and survival. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) plays an important role in MM cell proliferation, survival, and corticosteroid resistance and previous studies have shown clinical benefit from anti-IL-6 therapy. We therefore evaluated the combination of CNTO328, a chimeric monoclonal antibody with high affinity for human IL-6, and dexamethasone (dex) in pts with relapsed/refractory MM. Methods: Pts were treated with 6 mg/kg CNTO328 IV Q2 weeks. Oral dex (40mg) was given once daily, days 1–4, 9–12, and 17–20 for a max of 4 cycles; and on days 1–4 for subsequent cycles. Inclusion criteria were > 2 prior lines of systemic therapy, creatinine clearance >20 ml/min, platelets >50,000/mm3, and neutrophils >1000/mm3. Primary endpoint was overall response with secondary endpoints of time to progression, incidence of AEs and SAEs. Results: Thirty-nine pts received at least 1 infusion of CNTO328 in combination with dex - median age 66 yrs (range 43–89), median disease duration 4.2 yrs (1–13), median lines of prior therapy 5 (2–9) including bortezomib (100%), IMIDs (87%), and ASCT (59%). The median duration of therapy was 3.3 months (0.5–21+). Of the 36 pts who were evaluable, the overall response rate (CR+PR+MR) using EBMT criteria was 31% (7PR, 4MR). An additional 4 uMR and 4 SD lasting ≥3 months have been reported. PRs were durable; 6 out of 7 pts had responses ranging from 3 months to up to more than 1 year (with 1 still ongoing for more than 1 year). Duration of MRs ranged from 2–5 months. Responses were seen in pts relapsing after and refractory to at least one other prior treatment including bortezomib, IMIDs, or steroids. Median time to disease progression (PD) was 3.7 months (0.3–18+). Main reasons for treatment discontinuation were PD (24) and AEs (6). Hematologic toxicities Grade ≥ 3 were common though not dose-limiting. Three pts had Grade ≥ 3 infections considered reasonably related to CNTO328. Conclusions: CNTO 328 in combination with dex shows promising preliminary activity in this heavily pretreated patient population with an acceptable safety profile. Further investigation is ongoing.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Is there a survival benefit with adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with stage I (T1N0) triple negative breast cancer?

e11547

Background: Chemotherapy is the only systemic modality for patients with breast cancer lacking expression of estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors (triple negative), a group comprising 15% of all breast cancers. The majority of such patients present with nodal metastases. The median time to distant recurrence is short: at 2.6 years, and median time to death is 4.2 years. (Dent R, et al. Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Clinical Features and Patterns of Recurrence, Clin Cancer Res 2007; 13(15) August, 2007). The benefit from proceeding with adjuvant chemotherapy for ≤2cm, node negative triple negative breast cancer remains undefined. Patients and Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted to assess the benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy for overall survival for stage I (T1N0) triple-negative breast cancer treated from 1996 to 2006 at City of Hope and USC. ER, PR, and HER2 status (as assessed by fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH) or immunohistochemistry) were reviewed and confirmed. Overall survival was defined as time from date of diagnosis to date of death. All patients received standard surgery ± radiation. Results: A total of 100 stage I triple-negative breast cancer patients were identified. The median age at diagnosis was 56 (range 27–91). Of the 100 patients, 59 received adjuvant chemotherapy: 38 received anthracycline-based, 17 received non-anthracycline-based regimens and 4 were unknown. Median length of follow-up was 4.0 years. No difference in overall survival was found in patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy (p-value = 0.94). Similarly, there was no difference between patients who received non-anthracycline-based chemotherapy versus those given anthracycline-based chemotherapy (p-value=0.17). The group of patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy were younger (51.8 y.o versus 61.5 y.o (p=0.0004)) and had larger tumor size (13.6mm versus 10.2mm (p=0.0002)). Lack of statistical significance may be related to the limited sample size. Conclusion: We did not find a statistically survival benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy in 100 triple negative stage I breast cancer patients. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of adjuvant chemotherapy in this group of patients.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Intermittent treatment of hormone-dependent breast cancer using exemestane: translational research from lab bench to bedside

Abstract #3040

Background and Rationale: Endocrine therapy agents such as aromatase inhibitors (AIs) have shown good clinical efficacy in the treatment of post-menopausal breast cancer patients. Currently, the major clinical hindrance with endocrine therapy is disease progression or acquired resistance. Intermittent treatment of endocrine therapy agents has been proposed in several clinical trials to address whether this treatment strategy can delay the onset of acquired resistance in hormone-dependent breast cancers. To support these clinical trials, we have performed a pre-clinical study using the steroidal AI exemestane (EXE) to understand potential molecular features that differentiate continuous treatment of EXE from intermittent administration.&#x2028; Methods: The ER+ and aromatase-overexpressing cell culture model system (MCF-7aro) was used in this pre-clinical study. The cells were treated either continuously (T+EXE Cont) or intermittently (T+EXE Interm) for 2 weeks with EXE and 1 week without EXE, in the presence of testosterone (T). In addition, a non-steroidal AI letrozole, was used in an identical intermittent manner.&#x2028; Results: Based on cell culture studies, acquired resistance was reached at 14 weeks in the T+EXE Cont treated cells, while T+EXE Interm cells were still responsive to EXE. At 34 weeks, acquired resistance developed in the T+EXE Interm cell lines, which demonstrates a delay in time to progression. The non-steroidal AI letrozole did not demonstrate a delay in acquired resistance using this intermittent model. Based on microarray analysis, we observed that gene expression of certain estrogen-responsive genes was elevated in the T+EXE Cont cells, while select genes showed lower levels of up-regulation in T+EXE Interm lines.&#x2028; Discussion: Based on our previous studies, up-regulation of a key estrogen-responsive gene, amphiregulin (AREG), is responsible for activating EGFR and mediating resistance to EXE. Expression of genes such as AREG are decreased in the T+EXE Interm cell lines, suggesting the suppression of growth factor signaling implicated in driving resistance. In addition, we have reported that EXE acts as an aromatase destabilizer at the protein level. Unlike letrozole or anastrozole, EXE-mediated protein degradation of aromatase may play a key role in reducing estrogen levels that are responsible for driving breast cancer survival and proliferation. Since these pre-clinical studies provide an important mechanistic basis for intermittent endocrine therapy, a clinical trial to evaluate the intermittent use of exemestane has been discussed and is planned to initiate in the near future.

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(2 Suppl):Abstract nr 3040.

Molecular profiling including epidermal growth factor receptor and p21 expression in high-risk breast cancer patients as indicators of outcome

BACKGROUND

Patients with high-risk primary breast cancer remain at high risk for relapse. More precise prognostic and predictive tools are needed to improve treatment of such patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumors from 239 high-risk breast cancer patients were examined for expression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, Ki-67, p16, p21, p27, and p53 by immunohistochemistry. Gene expression of EGFR, HER2, glutathione S-transferase-Pi (GSTP1), excision repair cross complementation1 (ERCC1), p21, beta-tubulin-3, multidurg resistance (MDR1), cyclooxygenase2 (COX2), and cyclin-E was measured by RT-PCR.

RESULTS

Eighty percent of patients presented with locally advanced, or > or =10 axillary nodal metastasis, and 20% with inflammatory breast cancer. The median age was 46 years (26-62 years) and the median number of involved axillary lymph nodes was 12 (0-42). At a median follow-up of 86 months, relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival for the entire group were 50% (95% CI 43% to 57%) and 62% (95% CI 56% to 69%). Multivariate Cox stepwise analysis resulted in a simple model for RFS consisting only of p21 expression, EGFR expression assessed by RT-PCR, and number of axillary nodal metastases.

CONCLUSION

A prognostic model on the basis of the expression of a limited number of proteins and genes may help to guide target-specific therapies in patients with high-risk breast cancer.

The combination of the HER2 antibody trastuzumab, the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor gefitinib, and docetaxel as first-line therapy in patients with HER2 overexpressing stage IV breast carcinoma

1057

Background: Interference with both HER2 and epidermal growth factor (EGFR) dependent pathways may improve therapeutic efficacy of docetaxel (doc) in pts with HER2 overexpressing (+) BC. Methods: Patients (pts) without prior chemotherapy (Rx) exposure for stage IV HER-2 + BC were enrolled. Prior hormonal or adjuvant Rx inclusive of taxane or trastuzumab (tras) were allowed. A left ventricular ejection fraction of > 45% and ECOG performance status of ≥ 2 were required. Pts were to receive doc 75 m2, tras every 3 weeks, and gefitinib (gef) 250 mg daily. BC samples from 12 pts were analyzed by FISH for HER2 and EGFR amplification (amp), and topoisomerase II (topo II) amp or loss. IHC was to be performed to examine p-Src, p-STAT3, Ki67 and survivin expression. Results: The median age was 49 (range, 34–67) and ECOG performance status 0.5 (0–1). The first 9 patients received gef 250 mg daily; 2 pts received dox 75 mg/m2 and developed grade 3 febrile neutropenia (neu), hence, additional pts received doc at 60 mg/m2: 3 more episodes of grade 3 neu were seen. Gef was held due to grade 3 dermatitis (2 pts) and diarrhea (2 pts). Pts received a median of 6 cycles (3–10). Gef schedule then was changed, and was prescribed on days 2–14, only. Three of the next 9 pts experienced grades 3 or 4 neu, and we observed 3 cases of grade 3 gastrointestinal toxicities; pts were able to receive 11 + (range; 5–25+) cycles on this schedule (p<0.04). There were 4 complete (CR)and 6 partial R (23 % CR, 59 % overall R), and 3 pts had stable disease (SD; all R and SD confirmed); 3 pts progressed at 4, 4, and 5 mos, 1 pt was inevaluable. The median time to progression is 12 + mos. Samples from 3 pts revealed topo II amplification and one pt sample showed loss of one topo II allele; none were amplified for EGFR. Outcome will be correlated with IHC defined signal trasduction status and proliferation rates. Conclusions: The combination of doc, tras, and short course of gef is feasible, with encouraging R and SD rates and time to progression. Further exploration of simultaneous blockage of multiple signal transduction pathways is indicated in combination with chemoRx. Supported by NCI CA33572 and by a grant from AstraZeneca.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Vorinostat (suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid) as salvage therapy in metastatic breast cancer (MBC): A California Cancer Consortium phase II study

11502

Background: MBC patients (pts) have a median survival of 27 mo. Vorinostat is a small molecule inhibitor of histone deacetylase that exerts its targeted action during post-translational acetylation of core nucleosomal histones, affecting chromatin structure, thereby regulating genes implicated in cell survival, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. The primary end point was to evaluate the response rate. Secondary endpoints included: time to progression, overall survival, toxicity, and assessment of biologic correlates. Method: From 6/05 to 3/06, we enrolled 14 pts with measurable MBC. Response and progression were evaluated using RECIST criteria. Two pts had no, 5 pts had one, and 7 pts had two prior regimens. Median age was 60.5 years (37- 89). Six were ER/PR positive, four were Her2neu overexpressers. Sites of metastatic disease included brain (1), liver, lungs, and bone (5), pelvic and chest wall (1), liver and bone (2), distant lymph nodes (3), pleura and bone (1). Pts received Vorinostat 200mg oral twice daily for 14 of 21 days per cycle. Tumor measurements were performed after every 2 cycles. Biopsies (pre and on-treatment) were collected from 6 of 14 pts. Results: The mean cycles delivered was 5 (range: 1–18). Four pts had SD for a median of >8.7 mo (4–13 mo); 1 pt with ER/PR/Her2neu negative tumor who received no prior treatment for MBC to mediastinal nodes and chest wall continues to receive treatment having completed cycle 18 with stable disease for >11.4 mo. The median duration on treatment for all pts is 3.2 mo (1–12 mo). Toxicities included gr 3 fatigue (1), gr 2–3 diarrhea (3), gr 2–3 nausea (2), gr 2 mucositis(1), gr 4 lymphopenia (1), gr 2–3 lymphopenia (6). Correlative studies of pre- and on-treatment tumor samples will be presented describing gene expression profiling using custom Agilent oligonucleotide microarrays optimized for analysis of RNA isolated from formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissues (FFPET). Conclusion: In this trial Vorinostat demonstrated disease stabilization rate in 4/14 (29%) pts by intention to treat analysis. With ease of administration, further investigation in combination with other agents is warranted. (NCI-NO1-CM- 62209)

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Phase I trial of escalating doses of total marrow irradiation (TMI) with helical tomotherapy and peripheral blood progenitor cell rescue (PBPC) following high-dose melphalan and PBPC as part of tandem high-dose therapy (THDT) for patients with multiple myeloma (MM)

8121

Background: Attempts to combine total body irradiation (TBI) with high-dose melphalan (Mel) resulted in substantial organ toxicities and precluded optimal dosing of Mel. Helical tomotherapy may allow delivery of total marrow irradiation (TMI), while avoiding collateral toxicities. Methods: We designed a phase I/II study for patients (pts) with responding or stable stage I-III MM. Following PBPC mobilization, pts receive THDT first with Mel 200 mg/m2 and PBPC, and, ≥ 6 weeks later, escalating doses of TMI (starting dose: 200 cGy daily × 5 [1,000 cGy], up to 200 cGy twice daily × 5 days [2,000 cGy]) and PBPC. Maintenance consists of dexamethasone 40 mg/day × 4 days every 28 days and thalidomide 50–200 mg/day. Results: The median number of prior chemotherapy regimens is 2 (1- 4). The median duration from diagnosis to the HDT is 8 mos (4–13). Median age of pts is 53 (35–66). Sixteen pts with stages II (6) and III (10) MM have received Mel; 15 of 16 pts (8F/8M) have received treatment at dose levels 1–5 of TMI (1,000 cGy through 1,800 cGy); 1 pt is about to start TMI at 1,800 cGy. The median time between the first and second THCT cycles is 74 days (47–125). Hematopoietic toxicities were independent of TMI dose levels: granulocyte recovery to >1,000/microliter following Mel required 12 days (11–38) versus a median of 10 days after TMI (range; 9–12). Platelet (excluding 6 pts not needing plt transfusion) independence was seen by day 10 (8–13) versus 8 (6–11) following TMI. In the first 15 pts the estimated median radiation dose to normal organs was 15–60% of the targeted bone marrow dose. Reversible grade 3 non-hematologic toxicities by TMI dose levels included fatigue and febrile neutropenia (FN) (level 1: 1 pt each), FN (level 2: 1 pt); none (level 3); fatigue (level 4: 2 pts); anorexia and stomatitis (level 5: 1pt; anorexia: 1 pt). The median follow-up is 8 mos (3–21); 1 pt progressed at 8 mos. Final data on toxicities including patients already in screening for treatment at TMI 2,000 cGy, tolerability of maintenance, and response rate will be presented. Conclusion: TMI is feasible and could potentially be useful as part of THDT for patients with MM.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Phase II trial of carboplatin and infusional cyclosporine with alpha-interferon in recurrent ovarian cancer: a California Cancer Consortium Trial

The purpose of this study was to estimate the response rate of 26-h continuous infusion cyclosporine A (CSA) combined with carboplatin (CBDCA) and subcutaneous alpha-interferon (IFN), in recurrent ovarian cancer (OC), and to measure their effects on CBDCA pharmacokinetics. OC patients relapsing following platinum-based chemotherapy received CBDCA area under the curve (AUC 3) with CSA and IFN, every 3 weeks. The pharmacokinetics of CSA and CBDCA were determined in a subset of patients. Thirty patients received 84 courses of therapy. Three partial responses were observed. Nine patients were stable for >4 months. Toxicity was similar to that observed in our previously reported phase I study and consisted of myelosuppression, nausea, vomiting, and headache. The mean end of infusion CSA level (high-performance liquid chromatographic assay [HPLC]) was 1109 +/- 291 microg/mL (mean +/- SD). CBDCA pharmacokinetics revealed a measured AUC of 3.61 versus a targeted AUC of 3, suggesting a possible effect of IFN on CBDCA levels versus errors in the estimation of CBDCA clearance using measured creatinine clearance. Steady-state levels of >1 microg/mL CSA (HPLC assay) are achievable in vivo. Insufficient clinical resistance reversal was observed in this study to warrant further investigation of this combination.

Pharmacogenetic analysis of paclitaxel transport and metabolism genes in breast cancer

Paclitaxel is commonly used in the treatment of breast cancer. Variability in paclitaxel clearance may contribute to the unpredictability of clinical outcomes. We assessed genomic DNA from the plasma of 93 patients with high-risk primary or stage IV breast cancer, who received dose-intense paclitaxel, doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide. Eight polymorphisms in six genes associated with metabolism and transport of paclitaxel were analyzed using Pyrosequencing. We found no association between ABCB1, ABCG2, CYP1B1, CYP3A4, CYP3A5 and CYP2C8 genotypes and paclitaxel clearance. However, patients homozygous for the CYP1B1*3 allele had a significantly longer progression-free survival than patients with at least one Valine allele (P=0.037). This finding could reflect altered paclitaxel metabolism, however, the finding was independent of paclitaxel clearance. Alternatively, the role of CYP1B1 in estrogen metabolism may influence the risk of invasive or paclitaxel resistant breast cancer in patients carrying the CYP1B1*3 allele.

Phase I trial of bortezomib in combination with topotecan in advanced solid tumor malignancies

12004

Background: Bortezomib (B) and topotecan (T) have been shown in pre-clinical testing to be synergistic. Based on this data we have performed a phase I study to determine the maximally tolerated dose and toxicities (tox) of B and T delivered sequentially. Methods: 24 pts (KPS<ECOG 3) with advanced malignancies were treated with T (2.0, 2.5, 3.0 or 3.5 mg/m2 in sequential cohorts) IV on days 1 and 8 of each three week cycle. B 1.3 mg/m2 iv was administered six hours following T on days 1 and 8, and alone on days 4 and 12. Pts were treated in cohorts of 3, the MTD dose was expanded to include 10 additional pts for PK analysis. There was no limit on prior therapies. DLT was defined as any gr 3 or 4 non-hematologic toxicity not reversible in 48h or any gr 3 thrombocytopenia lasting >7 days or associated with bleeding or any gr 4. Results: Tumor types included: breast (4), ovary (5), lung (3), others (12). 24 pts were entered (11M 13F). The median age was 55 (range: 34–83). DLT was thrombocytopenia, observed in two pts at 3.5 mg/m2 and one pt at 3.0 mg/m2 (MTD). Other grade 3 or 4 tox included fatigue, lymphopenia, hypomagnesemia, and hypertriglyceridemia. Of the 24 enrolled pts, stable disease was observed in 4 (4 or 5 cycles), 9 progressed, 5 were inevaluable and 6 are too early. PK analysis is pending. Conclusions: T and B delivered sequentially are well tolerated on a weekly schedule. DLT is thrombocytopenia. PK will be presented.(Supported by NCI Grant CA33572).

[Table: see text]

Phase II study of hydroxyurea and gemcitabine in recurrent or persistent squamous cell cancer of the head and neck

15524

Background: Preclinical studies demonstrate increased activity when hydroxyurea (HU) is given prior to gemcitabine (G). Clinical feasibility was demonstrated in a phase I trial (Yen, et. al. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol. 2002 ). We performed a phase II trial treating patients (pts) with squamous cell head and neck cancers (SCCHN). Methods: Pts had metastatic or incurable locally recurrent SCCHN. Prior chemotherapy was allowed, but not required. Serum creatinine ≤2.0 mg/dl, bilirubin <3.0 gm/dl, AST/ALT <5× ULN and KPS ≥60% were required. HU 500 mg orally every 6 hours for 4 doses was given on day 1 of a 21-day cycle. On day 2, 6 hours after HU, G 750 mg/m2 was given over 30 minutes. This sequence was repeated on day 8 and 9. After 8 pts, G was given at 500 mg/m2. G-CSF was given on day 10 and until the WBC count was >10k/μl. The primary endpoint was response rate (RR), with an early stopping rule for <3 objective responders among the first 18 pts. Results: 22 pts (17 M) were accrued, 16 with prior chemotherapy and 19 with prior radiation. The first 8 pts received G 750 mg/m2. Two pts died of neutropenic fever (NF) during course 1. Subsequently 14 pts received G 500 mg/m2. 18 pts were evaluable for response, with 1 still in follow-up. Partial response was seen in 1 pt, stable disease in 9, and progressive disease in 8. The overall median survival of the 22 pts was 6 months and the median progression free survival (PFS) was 2 months. The primary toxicity was hematologic. Grade 4 neutropenia was seen in 7/22 pts during the 1st cycle (5 at G 750 mg/m2) with 5 cases of NF. Grade 4 thrombocytopenia occurred in 1 pt at G 750 mg/m2. Conclusions: The RR and PFS of treated pts treated were not promising and further accrual is not planned. Analysis of biopsy materials is planned to see if responsive pts can be selected. (Supported by NCI Grant CA33572).

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Maintenance thalidomide following single cycle autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplant in patients with multiple myeloma

Although autologous stem cell transplant is an effective therapy for patients with multiple myeloma and extends progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), patients show a continued pattern of recurrent disease. Twenty-nine patients were enrolled in a phase II study investigating the tolerability and efficacy of maintenance thalidomide following single autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplant. Six to eight weeks after transplant, patients were started on maintenance thalidomide at 50 mg a day. The dose was gradually escalated to a target dose of 400 mg a day and continued until disease progression or 6 months after achieving complete remission (CR) for a maximum total duration of 18 months. At 6 months, 13 patients (45%) achieved CR or near complete remission (positive immunofixation without any evidence of disease). The estimated 2-year OS was 83% and PFS was 49%. Median tolerated dose of thalidomide was 200 mg a day. In conclusion, thalidomide as maintenance therapy is feasible and may improve outcome after single autologous stem cell transplant.

Cyclosporine and mycophenolate mofetil prophylaxis with fludarabine and melphalan conditioning for unrelated donor transplantation: a prospective study of 22 patients with hematologic malignancies

In an attempt to decrease toxicity in high-risk patients undergoing unrelated donor hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (URD HSCT), we tested a combination of cyclosporine (CSP) and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis with the reduced-intensity conditioning regimen fludarabine/melphalan (Flu/Mel). A total of 22 adult patients with advanced myeloid (n=15) and lymphoid (n=7) malignancies were treated. All patients received Flu 25 mg/m2 for 5 days and Mel 140 mg/m2, with CSP 3 mg/kg daily and MMF 15 mg/kg three times a day. The median age was 49 years (range 18-66). Durable engraftment was seen in all but one patient with myelofibrosis. The 1-year nonrelapse mortality was 32%, 27% from GVHD. The cumulative incidence of acute GVHD grade 2-4 and 3-4 was 63 and 41%, respectively. With a median follow-up of 18 months, the disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) are 55 and 59%, respectively. For patients with AML and MDS (n=14), the DFS and OS is 71%. For patients undergoing a second transplant (n=14), the DFS and OS is 57%. In conclusion, this regimen is associated with acceptable toxicity but high rates of GVHD in high-risk patients undergoing URD HSCT. Encouraging disease control for patients with advanced myeloid malignancies was observed.

A long-term follow-up report on allogeneic stem cell transplantation for patients with primary refractory acute myelogenous leukemia: impact of cytogenetic characteristics on transplantation outcome

The prognosis of patients with primary refractory acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is poor. Our initial report suggested that some patients could achieve durable remission after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT). Herein, we update our initial experience and report further analysis of this group of patients to determine whether there are pre-SCT prognostic factors predictive of posttransplantation relapse and survival. We reviewed the records of 68 patients who consecutively underwent transplantation at the City of Hope Cancer Center with allogeneic SCT for primary refractory AML between July 1978 and August 2000. Potential factors associated with overall survival and disease-free survival were examined. With a median follow-up of 3 years, the 3-year cumulative probabilities of disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), and relapse rate for all 68 patients were 31% (95% confidence interval [CI], 20%-42%), 30% (95% CI, 18%-41%), and 51% (95% CI, 38%-65%), respectively. In multivariate analysis, the only variables associated with shortened OS and DFS included the use of an unrelated donor as the stem cell source (relative risk, 2.23 [OS] and 2.05 [DFS]; P =.0005 and.0014, respectively) and unfavorable cytogenetics before SCT (relative risk: 1.68 [OS] and 1.58 [DFS]; P =.0107 and.0038, respectively). Allogeneic SCT can cure approximately one third of patients with primary refractory AML. Cytogenetic characteristics before SCT correlate with transplantation outcome and posttransplantation relapse.

A study of radiotherapy modalities combined with continuous 5-FU infusion for locally advanced gastrointestinal malignancies

AIM

We describe the feasibility of combining infusional 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) with intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT).

METHODS

Patients with surgically resectable locally advanced gastrointestinal cancers were treated concurrently during surgery with IORT and a 72 h infusion of 5-FU. Patients without previous external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) were subsequently treated with EBRT (40-50Gy) concurrent with a 21-day continuous infusion of 5-FU. Pancreatic, gastric, duodenal, ampullary, recurrent colorectal, and recurrent anal cancer were included.

RESULTS

During IORT/5-FU, no chemotherapy-related grade III or IV hematologic or gastrointestinal toxicity was noted. Post-surgical recovery or wound healing was not affected. One of nine patients who received post-operative radiation required a treatment break. During follow-up, there were more complications in patients with pelvic tumours, especially those with previous radiation. Nine patients have had local and/or local regional recurrences, two of these in the IORT field.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with a combination of IORT and 5-FU followed by EBRT and 5-FU is feasible. However, long-term complications may be increased in previously irradiated recurrent pelvic tumours.

Reduced-intensity allogeneic stem cell transplantation for patients whose prior autologous stem cell transplantation for hematologic malignancy failed

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (autoSCT) is an effective treatment for patients with various hematologic malignancies. Despite the significant improvement in the overall outcome, disease progression after transplantation remains the major cause of treatment failure. With longer follow-up, therapy-related myelodysplasia/acute myelogenous leukemia is becoming an important cause of treatment failure. The prognosis for these 2 groups of patients is very poor. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) is a potential curative treatment for these patients. However, the outcome with conventional myeloablative alloSCT after failed autoSCT is typically poor because of high transplant-related mortality. In an attempt to reduce the treatment-related toxicity, we studied a reduced-intensity conditioning regimen followed by alloSCT for patients with progressive disease or therapy-related myelodysplasia/acute myelogenous leukemia after autoSCT. This report describes the outcomes of 28 patients with hematologic malignancies who received a reduced-intensity alloSCT after having treatment failure with a conventional autoSCT. Fourteen patients received a hematopoietic stem cell transplant from a related donor and 14 from an unrelated donor. The conditioning regimen consisted of low-dose (2 Gy) total body irradiation with or without fludarabine in 4 patients and the combination of melphalan (140 mg/m(2)) and fludarabine in 24. Cyclosporine and mycophenolate mofetil were used for posttransplantation immunosuppressive therapy, as well as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis, in all patients. All patients engrafted and had >90% donor chimerism on day 100 after SCT. Currently, 13 patients (46%) are alive and disease free, 7 patients (25%) developed disease progression after alloSCT, and 8 (32%) died of nonrelapse causes. Day 100 mortality and nonrelapse mortality were 25% and 21%, respectively. With a median follow-up of 24 months for surviving patients, the 2-year probabilities of overall survival, event-free survival, and relapse rates were 56.5%, 41%, and 41.9%, respectively. Six patients (21%) developed grade III to IV acute GVHD. Among 21 evaluable patients, 15 (67%) developed chronic GVHD. We conclude that (1) reduced-intensity alloSCT is feasible and has an acceptable toxicity profile in patients who have previously received autoSCT and that (2) although follow-up was short, a durable remission may be achieved in some patients who would otherwise be expected to have a poor outcome.

Predictors of long-term outcome following high-dose chemotherapy in high-risk primary breast cancer

We report on a predictive model of long-term outcome in 114 high-risk breast cancer patients treated with high-dose chemotherapy between 1989 and 1994. Paraffin-blocks from 90 of the 114 primaries were assessed for the presence of five risk factors: grade, mitotic index, protein expression of p53, HER2/neu, and oestrogen/progesterone receptor status; we could analyse the effect of risk factors in 84 of these 90 tumours. Seven-year relapse-free and overall survival was 58% (95% confidence interval 44-74%) and 82% (95% confidence interval 71-94%) vs 33% (95% confidence interval 21-52%) and 41% (95% confidence interval 28-60%) for patients whose primary tumours displayed > or =3 risk factors vs patients with < or =2 risk factors. For the entire group of 168 high-risk breast cancer patients, inflammatory stage IIIB disease and involved post-mastectomy margins were associated with decreased relapse-free survival and overall survival; patients treated with non-doxorubicin containing standard adjuvant therapy experienced worse overall survival (RR, 2.08; 95% confidence interval 1.04 to 4.16; P=0.04), while adjuvant tamoxifen improved overall survival (RR, 0.65; 95% confidence interval 0.41-1.01; P=0.054). Future trial designs and patient selection for studies specific for high-risk breast cancer patients should include appropriate prognostic models. Validation of such models could come from recently completed randomised, prospective trials.

Tandem-cycle high-dose melphalan and cisplatin with peripheral blood progenitor cell support in patients with breast cancer and other malignancies

We evaluated the feasibility of tandem-cycle high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) with cisplatin, melphalan, and peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPCs). Fifty patients with high-risk primary (n = 17) or stage IV breast cancer (n = 29) or other malignancies (n = 4) received 2 cycles of intravenous melphalan, 20 to 151.8 mg/m2, and cisplatin, 200 mg/m2, followed by granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) or G-CSF. Starting at 40 mg/m2 of melphalan, patients also received PBPCs. Delayed platelet recovery defined the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) for melphalan at 101.2 mg/m2 per cycle. There were no treatment-related deaths. Cycle 2 was delivered at a median of 1.7 months after cycle 1; 72% of patients treated at the MTD received both cycles. Cycle 2 was omitted when patients refused it or had disease progression or toxicities, primarily prolonged thrombocytopenia. Complete response rates in stage IV breast cancer patients increased from 28% pre-HDCT to 55% after cycle 2. At a median follow-up of 4.6 years (range, 1.5-8.1 years), 11 of 29 patients with stage IV breast carcinoma were alive with 5-year projected progression-free and overall survival rates of 19% (95% confidence interval [CI], 7%-41%) and 39% (95% CI, 20%-62%), respectively. Five-year projected progression-free and overall survival rates for patients with stage IV breast cancer in complete response following HDCT versus all others were 35% (95% CI, 15%-70%) versus 0% (P = .01) and 61% (95% CI, 35%-91%) versus 10% (95% CI, 2%-60%) (P = .003; log-rank test), respectively. Estrogen-receptor positivity was predictive of reduced risk of progression (relative risk [RR], 0.25; 95% CI, 0.10-0.65; P = .003) and death (RR, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.10-0.72; P = .009) after adjusting for response status. Five-year projected relapse-free and overall survival rates were 71% (95% CI, 43%-96%) and 82% (95% CI, 56%-100%), respectively, for the 17 patients with high-risk primary breast cancer. Tandem-cycle high-dose melphalan and cisplatin with PBPCs is feasible. Preliminary data suggest significant activity in selected patients with stage IV responding breast carcinoma.

Phase II trial of high-dose intravenous doxorubicin, etoposide, and cyclophosphamide with autologous stem cell support in patients with residual or responding recurrent ovarian cancer

This study was performed in order to evaluate the toxicities, progression-free and overall survival of patients with responsive residual or recurrent ovarian cancer treated with high-dose chemotherapy. Twenty-seven patients were treated. Doxorubicin, 165 mg/m(2) over 96 h (days -12 to -8), etoposide 700 mg/m(2) every day x3 (days -6 to -4), and cyclophosphamide 4.2 g/m(2) on d -3 was followed by stem cells and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. The median days of granulocyte count <500/microl was 14 (range 10-42) and platelets <20,000/microl was 13 (range 2-80). Median numbers of red cell and platelet transfusions were 15 (5-16) and 14 (4-103). Toxicity included mucositis requiring narcotic analgesia in all patients. Asymptomatic decreases in ejection fraction to values <50% were observed in four patients. No clinical congestive heart failure was observed. One death due to sepsis was observed. Median progression-free survival is 7.5 months (1.0-56 months); five patients remain alive, two of whom remain progression-free at 19.5 and 24.5 months post transplant. Median overall survival is 14.0 months (1-68 months). We conclude that high-dose anthracyclines may be safely administered to ovarian cancer patients. The short overall and progression-free survivals observed in our population suggest that this combination is not optimal.

High-dose paclitaxel in combination with doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide and peripheral blood progenitor cell rescue in patients with high-risk primary and responding metastatic breast carcinoma: toxicity profile, relationship to paclitaxel pharmacokinetics and short-term outcome

We assessed the feasibility and pharmacokinetics of high-dose infusional paclitaxel in combination with doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and peripheral blood progenitor cell rescue. Between October 1995 and June 1998, 63 patients with high-risk primary [stage II with >or= 10 axillary nodes involved, stage IIIA or stage IIIB inflammatory carcinoma (n = 53)] or with stage IV responsive breast cancer (n = 10) received paclitaxel 150-775 mg/m(2)infused over 24 hours, doxorubicin 165 mg/m(2)as a continuous infusion over 96 hours, and cyclophosphamide 100 mg kg(-1). There were no treatment-related deaths. Dose-limiting toxicity was reversible, predominantly sensory neuropathy following administration of paclitaxel at the 775 mg/m(2) dose level. Paclitaxel pharmacokinetics were non-linear at higher dose levels; higher paclitaxel dose level, AUC, and peak concentrations were associated with increased incidence of paraesthesias. No correlation between stomatitis, haematopoietic toxicities, and paclitaxel dose or pharmacokinetics was found. Kaplan-Meier estimates of 30-month event-free and overall survival for patients with primary breast carcinoma are 65% (95% CI; 51-83%) and 77% (95% CI; 64-93%). Paclitaxel up to 725 mg/m(2) infused over 24 hours in combination with with doxorubicin 165 mg/m(2) and cyclophosphamide 100 mg kg(-1) is tolerable. A randomized study testing this regimen against high-dose carboplatin, thiotepa and cyclophosphamide (STAMP V) is currently ongoing.

Phase I trial of 96-hour continuous infusion of dexrazoxane in patients with advanced malignancies

Dexrazoxane is a bidentate chelator of divalent cations. Pretreatment with short infusions of dexrazoxane prior to bolus doxorubicin has been shown to lessen the incidence and severity of anthracycline-associated cardiac toxicity. However, because of rapid, diffusion-mediated cellular uptake and the short plasma half-life of dexrazoxane, combined with prolonged cellular retention of doxorubicin, dexrazoxane may be more effective when administered as a continuous infusion. Thus, a Phase I pharmacokinetic trial of a 96-h infusion of dexrazoxane was performed. Dexrazoxane doses were escalated in cohorts of 3 to 6 patients per dose level. All patients received granulocyte-colony stimulating factor at a dose of 5 microg/kg/day starting 24 h after completion of the dexrazoxane infusion. Plasma samples were collected and analyzed for dexrazoxane by high-performance liquid chromatography. Urine collections were performed at baseline and during the infusion to determine the renal clearance of dexrazoxane and the excretion rate of divalent cations. Twenty-two patients were enrolled at doses ranging from 125 to 250 mg/m(2)/day. Grade 3 and 4 toxicities included grade 4 thrombocytopenia in 2 patients treated at 250 mg/m(2)/day, grade 3 thrombocytopenia and grade 4 nausea and vomiting in 1 patient treated at 221 mg/m(2)/day, grade 4 diarrhea and grade 3 nausea and vomiting in 1 patient treated at 221 mg/m(2)/day, and grade 3 hypertension in 1 patient treated at 166.25 mg/m(2)/day. Steady-state dexrazoxane levels ranged from 496 microg/l (2.2 microM) to 1639 microg/l (7.4 microM). Dexrazoxane plasma CL(ss) and elimination t(1/2) were 7.2 +/- 1.6 l/h/m(2) and 2.0 +/- 0.8 h, respectively. The mean percentage of administered dexrazoxane recovered in the urine at steady state was 30% (range, 10-66%). Urinary iron and zinc excretion during the dexrazoxane infusion increased in 12 of 18 and 19 of 19 patients by a median of 3.7- and 2.4-fold, respectively. These results suggest that dexrazoxane as a 96-h infusion can be safely administered with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor at doses that achieve plasma levels that have been demonstrated previously to inhibit topoisomerase II activity and to induce apoptosis in vitro. Additional studies will be required to determine whether the combination of continuous infusions of dexrazoxane and doxorubicin would provide enhanced cardioprotection compared with the currently recommended bolus or short infusion schedules.

Oxidative DNA base modifications in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients treated with high-dose infusional doxorubicin

In prior studies, it was demonstrated that the redox metabolism of doxorubicin leads to the formation of promutagenic oxidized DNA bases in human chromatin, suggesting a potential mechanism for doxorubicin-related second malignancies. To determine whether a similar type of DNA damage is produced in the clinic, peripheral blood mononuclear cell DNA from 15 women treated with infusional doxorubicin (165 mg/m(2)) as a single agent was examined for 14 modified bases by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry with selected ion monitoring. Prior to the 96-hour doxorubicin infusion, 13 different oxidized bases were present in all DNA samples examined. Chemotherapy, producing a steady-state level of 0.1 microM doxorubicin, increased DNA base oxidation up to 4-fold compared to baseline values for 9 of the 13 bases studied. Maximal base oxidation was observed 72 to 96 hours after doxorubicin treatment was begun; the greatest significant increases were found for Thy Gly (4.2-fold), 5-OH-Hyd (2.5-fold), FapyAde (2.4-fold), and 5-OH-MeUra (2.4-fold). The level of the promutagenic base FapyGua increased 1.6-fold (P < .02), whereas no change in 8-OH-Gua levels was observed in peripheral blood mononuclear cell DNA during the doxorubicin infusion. These results suggest that DNA base damage similar to that produced by ionizing radiation occurs under clinical conditions in hematopoietic cells after doxorubicin exposure. If doxorubicin-induced DNA base oxidation occurs in primitive hematopoietic precursors, these lesions could contribute to the mutagenic or toxic effects of the anthracyclines on the bone marrow.

Continuous infusion prochlorperazine: pharmacokinetics, antiemetic efficacy, and feasibility of high-dose therapy

PURPOSE

The purpose of these sequential phase I studies was to evaluate the antiemetic efficacy and pharmacokinetics of high-dose continuous infusion prochlorperazine.

METHODS

A total of 52 patients with advanced cancer were treated in two sequential phase I studies utilizing high-dose prochlorperazine. In study 1, designed to investigate the antiemetic effects of dose-intensive prochlorperazine, various cisplatin-based multiagent chemotherapeutic regimens were administered in combination with escalating doses of prochlorperazine. In study 2, a fixed dose of cisplatin (60 mg/m2) was administered over 24 h as a continuous intravenous infusion in combination with infusional high-dose prochlorperazine. Antiemetic efficacy in the first trial was assessed in terms of the number of episodes of nausea, retching, and/or emesis during the 24 h following cisplatin administration. The pharmacokinetics of high-dose prochlorperazine were evaluated in eight patients treated in study 2 at the two dose levels below those at which dose-limiting toxicity was noted.

RESULTS

The maximally tolerated dose of prochlorperazine in combination with cisplatin (60 mg/m2 administered as a continuous infusion over 24 h) was 24 mg/h. The dose-limiting toxicity was grade 4 agitation and confusion noted in one patient treated at 26 mg/h. This patient died 3 days following cessation of chemotherapy due to the toxicity of the regimen in combination with the debilitating pulmonary effects of the disease. The mean end of infusion prochlorperazine level at the 24 mg/h dose level was 1.1 microM, a concentration previously reported to be consistent with the reversal of the multidrug resistance phenotype. Two partial responses were observed in study 2.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that the antiemetic efficacy of high-dose infusional prochlorperazine does not appear to be improved over more convenient bolus administration. However, prochlorperazine levels consistent with those required in vitro for drug resistance reversal are attainable within the dose range having a tolerable toxicity profile.

Cisplatin and infusional cytosine arabinoside for the treatment of colorectal adenocarcinoma: a phase II trial

Based on the in vitro and in vivo synergy between cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C) and cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (cisplatin), we designed a phase II trial of Ara-C with cisplatin for patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma. Forty-eight eligible patients received continuous infusion Ara-C, 30 mg/m2/day over 72 hr, plus cisplatin, 30 mg/m2 for three doses at hours 12, 36, and 60 of the Ara-C infusion. The objective partial response rate for patients with colon carcinoma was 3% (1/32 patients; 95% CI, 0-16%) with a median response duration of 2.8 months. None of the 16 patients treated for rectal carcinoma responded. Myelosuppression was the most severe toxicity. Significant gastrointestinal and hepatic toxicities occurred in a small number of patients. Nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity were mild. We conclude that the prolonged infusion of Ara-C in combination with divided doses of cisplatin offers no significant therapeutic advantage.

Recombinant human thrombopoietin clinical development

Patients undergoing anticancer therapy are often at risk for developing severe and/or prolonged posttreatment thrombocytopenia. This can be associated with significant bleeding; currently, it is treated with supportive platelet transfusions. Frequent platelet transfusions can cause alloimmunization which requires HLA-matched donors and more frequent blood transfusions, and transmission of both viral and bacterial infections via platelet transfusions remains a concern. Furthermore, thrombocytopenia can mandate a decrease in the dose intensity of cytotoxic therapy by causing either delays or dose reductions in therapy administration. An intervention that reduces the risk or shortens the duration of severe thrombocytopenia would represent an important medical advance. Thrombopoietin (TPO), a naturally occurring, glycosylated polypeptide that was cloned by Genentech in 1994, is capable of inducing differentiation of stem cells into megakaryocytes and accelerating the maturation of megakaryocytes, thereby increasing the platelet count. Recombinant human TPO (rHuTPO) is currently undergoing testing in phase 1 and 2 studies in patients receiving myelosuppressive or myeloablative therapy. For the purposes of illustration, preliminary safety and activity data from one ongoing phase 1 myelosuppression trial (rHuTPO in women with advanced gynecologic malignancies receiving carboplatin) and one ongoing phase 1 myeloablation trial (rHuTPO for peripheral blood progenitor cell mobilization prior to myeloablative chemotherapy for high risk breast cancer) will be presented.

A phase I study of carboplatin and etoposide administered in conjunction with dipyridamole, prochlorperazine and cyclosporine A

PURPOSE

In recognition of the variety of available chemotherapeutic modulating agents and their potential to enhance the efficacy of platinum-based therapy, we embarked upon a phase I study to investigate the feasibility of combining fixed doses of carboplatinum (CBDCA) and etoposide (VP-16) with 24-h concurrent infusions of dipyridamole (DP), prochlorperazine (PCZ) and cyclosporine A (CSA) administered in escalating doses.

METHODS

Patients received intravenous VP-16 (200 mg/m2) and CBDCA (300 mg/m2), each over 30 min, starting at hour 6 of the modulator infusions. Resistance modulators were escalated sequentially to determine their respective maximally tolerated doses (MTDs). The pharmacokinetics (PK) of VP-16, CBDCA, and the three drug resistance (DR) modifiers were studied in eight patients.

RESULTS

A total of 59 patients were entered on study. The MTD was established at DP 5 mg/kg per day, PCZ 24 mg/h, and CSA 9.5 mg/kg per day. Dose-limiting toxicities included hypotension and severe sedation, presumably related to PCZ. No objective responses were seen. PK studies were performed when PCZ and DP doses were 24 mg/h and 3.3 mg/kg, and the CSA dose was either 8.5 mg/kg (five patients) or 9.5 mg/kg (three patients). The median clearance of VP-16 was 0.96 l/h per m2 (range 0.8-1.5 l/h per m2), which is lower than for VP-16 alone and similar to previously reported effects of CSA on VP-16 elimination. The median measured CBDCA AUC was 3.0 mg/ml x min (range 2.4-4.8 mg/ml x min). CBDCA AUC predicted by the Calvert formula using measured creatinine clearance underestimated the actual AUC in seven of the eight patients, in one case by as much as twofold. The median end of infusion PCZ and total DP plasma concentrations were 1.2 microM (range 0.5-2.2 microM) and 4.4 microM (range 1.3-5.9 microM), respectively, consistent with in vitro resistance modulatory levels. However, free DP was only 0.02 microM (range 0.004-0.04 microM). The median CSA level at 24 h of 1450 microg/l (range 1075-1640 microg/l) is in agreement with concentrations required for partial DR reversal in vitro, although it is much lower than levels achieved in our previous phase I study of CBDCA + CSA alone using similar doses of CSA. The CSA dose on the current trial was escalated beyond the MTD for the previous phase I study, suggesting that there may be an interaction between CSA and one of the other modulators.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate that in vitro DR-reversing levels of two of the three agents used in this study can be achieved in vivo, and that this combination of DR modulators has significant effects on the pharmacokinetics of VP-16.

NCCN Practice Guidelines for Breast Cancer

The therapeutic options for patients with noninvasive or invasive breast cancer are complex and varied. In many situations, the patient and physician have the responsibility to jointly explore and ultimately select the most appropriate option from among the available alternatives. With rare exception, the evaluation, treatment, and follow-up recommendations contained within these guidelines were based largely on the results of past and present clinical trials. However, there is not a single clinical situation in which the treatment of breast cancer has been optimized with respect to either maximizing cure or minimizing toxicity and disfigurement. Therefore, patient and physician participation in prospective clinical trials allows patients not only to receive state-of-the-art cancer treatment but also to contribute to the improvement of treatment of future patients.