Open label, multi-centre phase II study of raltitrexed ('Tomudex') in patients with inoperable squamous-cell carcinoma of head and neck

Raltitrexed versus 5-fluorouracil with cisplatin and concurrent radiotherapy for locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma: An open labeled, randomized, controlled, and multicenter clinical trial

Background

This study aimed to compare the efficacy and toxicity of raltitrexed (Saiweijian^®) plus cisplatin (SP regimen) and 5‐fluorouracil plus cisplatin (FP regimen) as concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in patients with locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LA‐NPC).

Methods

Eligible patients (N = 135) were allocated randomly in a ratio of 1:1 to receive CCRT with either SP or FP. At least 2 cycles of chemotherapy was administrated during radiotherapy. Progression free survival (PFS) was primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), loco‐regional relapse free survival (LRRFS), distant metastasis free survival (DMFS) and toxicity.

Results

In this study, 68 patients received SP as CCRT, and 67 received FP. Objective responses were noted in 97.1% of the patients in the SP group and in 97.0% of the patients in the FP group (P = 1.00). At the end of a median 36 months follow‐up period, the estimated 3‐year PFS rates were 70.1% for SP and 66.6% for FP, respectively. The 3‐year LRRFS, DMFS and OS rates were 88.9%, 74.7% and 84.0%, respectively, for the SP group, and 92.3%, 71.0% and 73.7%, respectively, for the FP group. Overall, there was no difference between treatment groups with regard to response or survival. The most frequent acute toxicities monitored in both groups were bone marrow suppression, gastrointestinal side effects and oral mucositis (OM). The overall incidence of grade 3‐4 OM in the FP group (47.8%) was higher than in the SP group (11.8%). However, the incidence of other adverse effects observed in both groups was similar (P > .05).

Conclusions

These data indicate that SP and FP therapies have similar efficacy in treating LA‐NPC. The SP regimen showed a tolerable safety profile along with a lower frequency of severe OM and therefore, an improved life quality. In conclusion, SP was a well tolerated, effective, regimen for LA‐NPC treatment.

Cardiotoxicity of 5-fluorouracil and capecitabine in Chinese patients: a prospective study

Background

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) and capecitabine-associated cardiotoxicity ranging from asymptomatic electrocardiography (ECG) abnormalities to severe myocardial infarction has been reported in a number of studies, but such cardiotoxicity in Chinese patients with malignant diseases has not been investigated to date. In the present study, we aimed to prospectively evaluate the incidence rates and clinical manifestations of 5-FU- and capecitabine-associated cardiotoxicity in cancer patients recruited from multiple centers in China.

Methods

Among the 527 patients who completed the study, 196 received 5-FU-based chemotherapy and 331 received capecitabine-based chemotherapy as either first-line or adjuvant therapy. Adverse events were reported during the treatment and up to 28 days of follow-up. Outcome measures included ECG, myocardial enzymes, cardiac troponin, brain natriuretic peptide and echocardiography. Univariate analysis and logistic regression were performed for subgroup analysis and identification of significant independent variables that are associated with cardiotoxicity of both agents.

Results

In total, 161 of 527 patients (30.6%) experienced cardiotoxicity. The incidence rate of cardiotoxicity was 33.8% (112/331) in the capecitabine group, which was significantly higher than the rate of 25% (49/196) in the 5-FU group (P = 0.0042). 110/527 patients (20.9%) suffered arrhythmia, 105/527 (19.9%) developed ischemic changes, while only 20/527 patients (3.8%) presented heart failure and 6/527 patients (1.1%) had myocardial infarction. Pre-existing cardiac disease, hypertension, capecitabine-based chemotherapy and duration of treatment were identified as significant risk factors associated with cardiotoxicity. The odds ratio were 15.7 (prior history of cardiac disease versus no history), 1.86 (capecitabine versus 5-FU), 1.06 (5–8 versus 1–4 chemotherapy cycles) and 1.58 (hypertension versus no hypertension), respectively.

Conclusions

Cardiotoxicity induced by fluoropyrimidines in the Chinese population may be underestimated in clinical practice. Close monitoring of patients is recommended, especially for those patients at high risk for cardiotoxicity. Possible risk factors are duration of treatment, capecitabine-based chemotherapy, pre-existing cardiac diseases and hypertension.

Trial registration This study was initiated on January 22, 2014 and has been retrospectively registered with the registration number ChiCTR1800015434

Dose adaptation of antineoplastic drugs in patients with liver disease

Dose adaptation for liver disease is important in patients treated with antineoplastic drugs because of the high prevalence of impaired liver function in this population and the dose-dependent, frequently serious adverse effects of these drugs. We classified the antineoplastic drugs marketed in Switzerland at the end of 2004 according to their bioavailability and/or hepatic extraction to predict their kinetic behaviour in patients with decreased liver function. This prediction was compared with kinetic studies carried out with these drugs in patients with liver disease. The studies were identified by a structured, computer-based literature search. Of the 69 drugs identified, 52 had a predominant extrarenal (in most cases hepatic) metabolism and/or excretion. For 49 drugs, hepatic extraction could be calculated and/or bioavailability data were available, allowing classification according to hepatic extraction. For 18 drugs, kinetic studies have been reported in patients with impaired liver function, with the findings generally resulting in quantitative recommendations for adaptation of the dosage. In particular, recommendations are precise for 16 drugs excreted by the bile (e.g. doxorubicin and derivatives and vinca alkaloids). Validation studies comparing such recommendations with kinetics and/or dynamics of antineoplastic drugs in patients with decreased liver function have not been published. We conclude that there are currently not enough data for safe use of cyctostatics in patients with liver disease. Pharmaceutical companies should be urged to provide kinetic data (especially hepatic extraction data) for the classification of such drugs and to conduct kinetic studies for drugs with primarily hepatic metabolism in patients with impaired liver function to allow quantitative advice to be given for dose adaptation.

Phase I study of concomitant chemoradiation with raltitrexed in locally advanced head and neck cancer

In patients with non-resectable head and neck cancer concomitant chemoradiotherapy is increasingly used, especially in cases of oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal tumours. Most chemoradiotherapy regimes contain cisplatin as a single agent or in combination with fluorouracil. However, not all patients are fit enough for a cisplatin-containing regime or they refuse hospital admission. Raltitrexed is a specific thymidylate synthase inhibitor that has been studied as a radiosensitiser in rectal cancer. Raltitrexed can be administered easily in an outpatient setting and has few short-term effects. We studied raltitrexed at escalating doses combined with standard radiotherapy in advanced head and neck cancer patients. Seventeen patients with locally advanced head and neck cancers were enrolled in the study. Raltitrexed was administered at dose levels of 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 mg/m(2) intravenously (i.v), once every 3 weeks, for two doses. Radiotherapy consisted of 70 Gy given over 7 weeks in five fractions of 2 Gy per week. In general, treatment toxicity (DLT), complicated febrile neutropenia, was observed at 3.0 mg/m(2) in two of four patients. The dose of 2.5 mg/m(2) was extended thereafter with additional patients without major toxicity. Radiotherapy had to be interrupted in one patient. Five patients had a clinical complete response(CR) and eleven a partial response (PR) six weeks after the last fraction of radiotherapy. Twelve out of 17 patients remained free of locoregional recurrence after a median follow-up of 24(+) months (range 3-60+ months). Raltitrexed, at a dose of 2.5 mg/m(2) given twice 3 weeks apart, can be administered in combination with 70 Gy of radiotherapy in locally advanced head and neck cancer patients with a manageable tolerability profile. The clinical results and convenience of the schedule make raltitrexed an attractive drug to explore further in patients considered unfit for cisplatin-containing chemoradiation regimens.

The role of Pemetrexed (Alimta , LY231514) in lung cancer therapy

Pemetrexed (Alimta , LY231514) is a new multitargeted antifolate that inhibits several enzymes involved in the folate pathway. Pemetrexed is a potent inhibitor of thymidylate synthase, dihydrofolate reductase, and glycinamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase. Pemetrexed has demonstrated clinical activity in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as well as in a broad array of other solid tumors including mesothelioma and breast, colorectal, bladder, cervical, gastric, and pancreatic cancer. In NSCLC, single-agent activity has been documented in the first- and second-line settings. Promising activity has also been demonstrated when pemetrexed is combined with cisplatin, vinorelbine, oxaliplatin, carboplatin, and gemcitabine. Low-level dietary supplement of folic acid and vitamin B12 has significantly improved the safety profile of pemetrexed without compromising its antitumor effect. In this review, the pharmacology and clinical activity of pemetrexed in NSCLC cancer is discussed.

Cisplatin, raltitrexed, levofolinic acid and 5-fluorouracil in locally advanced or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: a phase II randomized study

BACKGROUND

Cisplatin (CDDP) is among the most active single agents against squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN), and it is still the reference drug in the induction chemotherapy setting, when used in combination with infusional 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Raltitrexed has been shown to be devoid of clinical activity against SCCHN when used alone; however, both preclinical and early clinical data regarding the combination raltitrexed-CDDP hold promise. Thymidylate synthase is the target enzyme of both raltitrexed and 5-FU; however, the two drugs have distinct sites of action on the enzyme and the combination of the two agents may be synergistic. We have previously shown that the combination of raltitrexed, levofolinic acid (LFA) and 5-FU has clinical activity against SCCHN; in a subsequent phase I study, cisplatin was added, and the combination of CDDP plus raltitrexed on day 1, followed by LFA and 5-FU on day 2, was judged feasible and active, since a 67% response rate was shown across all dose levels, with a 100% response rate at the recommended dose for phase II.

METHODS

Patients with inoperable locally advanced or metastatic SCCHN, not pretreated with chemo- or radiotherapy were randomized to receive either CDDP 60 mg/m2 and raltitrexed 2.5 mg/m2 on day 1 and LFA 250 mg/m2 and 5-FU 900 mg/m2 on day 2 (arm A) or CDDP 65 mg/m2 and methotrexate 500 mg/m2 on day 1, and LFA 250 mg/m2 and 5-FU 800 mg/m2 on day 2 (arm B). Both treatments were repeated every 2 weeks. Evaluation for tumor response was performed after four cycles. According to Simon two-stage design, with a target complete response (CR) rate (p1) of 35%, at least 7 CR among the first 31 treated patients and 16 CR among the final sample size of 52 patients were required.

RESULTS

An interim analysis was performed when 36 patients were evaluable in each arm. In arm A, 10 CR (28%) and 19 partial responses (PR) (53%) were observed, for an overall response rate of 81%. In arm B, 3 CR (8%) and 12 PR (34%) were observed, for an overall response rate of 42%. The difference in both CR and overall response rate between the two arms was statistically significant (p = 0.03 and <0.001, respectively). Therefore, the accrual was stopped in arm B and continued only in arm A. Overall, 13 CR (21%) and 34 PR (56%) were observed among the 61 patients who were accrued in arm A, for an overall response rate of 77% (95% confidence interval 64-87%). Neutropenia was the main side effect in both arms (grade 3-4 in 45 and 23 patients in arm A and B, respectively). Extrahematologic toxicity was mild in both arms; however, 2 patients in arm B died due to toxicity (grade 4 mucositis in one case, grade 4 renal toxicity in the other).

CONCLUSIONS

Although response data for our experimental treatment look encouraging, the hypothesis of a 35% activity, expressed as capability to induce a CR, cannot be accepted. The results obtained in this study are not substantially different from those of other trials of CDDP-5-FU-based regimens, and our combination is unlikely to represent a major breakthrough when used in this setting.

A phase I study of a fixed dose of cisplatin with increasing doses of raltitrexed (Tomudex) in the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

PURPOSE

A phase I trial of raltitrexed in combination with cisplatin in patients with locally advanced or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eligible patients had locally advanced or metastatic SCCHN. Cohorts of patients were treated with escalating doses of raltitrexed (2.0 mg/m2 to 3.5 mg/m2) as a 15-minute intravenous infusion immediately followed by cisplatin (80 mg/m2) administered over four hours every three weeks to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD).

RESULTS

A total of 17 patients was administered 60 courses of an escalating dose of raltitrexed. Starting dose of cisplatin was initially 100 mg/m2 in the first three patients treated at the first dose level. Due to cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity expressed as a creatinine clearance decrease by more than 50%, the cisplatin dose was reduced to 80 mg/m2 for all subsequent treatment cycles. Dose-limiting toxicity was observed at raltitrexed dose of 3.5 mg/m2 in two out of five patients. Dose-limiting grade 4 (CTC) neutropenia, grade 4 diarrhoea, grade 3 lethargy and elevation of transaminases and bilirubine was seen in these two patients. One patient treated at the level of the MTD, died 23 days after the first cycle with unresolved gastro-intestinal toxicity. In all other dose levels toxicity was very limited. The recommended dose for further study was raltitrexed 3.0 mg/m2 in combination with cisplatin 80 mg/m2. In 15 evaluable patients, we observed 9 WHO objective responses (1 complete and 8 partial). At the recommended dose level 3 partial responses were observed in five evaluable patients.

CONCLUSION

The regimen of raltitrexed 3.0 mg/m2 followed by cisplatin 80 mg/m2 on day 1, every three weeks has manageable toxicity and these doses are recommended for phase II evaluation. Results indicate that this combination is active for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic SCCHN. Recently, a phase II study has been started.