Treatment-related Deaths (treatment-related + death)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Distribution within Medical Sciences


Selected Abstracts


Treatment-related death in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in the Nordic countries: 1992,2001

BRITISH JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2005
Merete Stubkjaer Christensen
Summary Despite continuously more successful treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), 2,5% of children still die of other causes than relapse. The Nordic Society of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology-ALL92 protocol included 1652 patients ,15 years of age with precursor B- and T-cell ALL diagnosed between 1992 and 2001. Induction deaths and deaths in first complete remission (CR1) were included in the study. A total of 56 deaths (3%) were identified: 19 died during induction (1%) and 37 in CR1 (2%). Infection was the major cause of death in 38 cases. Five patients died of early death before initiation of cytotoxic therapy. Five patients died because of toxicity of inner organs and one of accidental procedure failures. Seven patients died of complications following allogenic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in CR1. Girls were at higher risk of treatment-related death (TRD) [relative risk (RR) = 2·2; 95% confidence interval (CI95%): 1·2,4·0, P < 0·01], mostly because of infections. Risk of TRD was also higher in children with Down syndrome (RR = 4·5; CI95%: 2·0,10·2, P < 0·00). In conclusion, 3% of children with ALL died of TRD, with bacterial infections as the most common cause of death. Girls and Down syndrome patients had a higher risk of TRD. Infections still remain a major challenge in childhood ALL. [source]


Phase II study of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and extended surgery for locally advanced gastric cancer,

BRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY (NOW INCLUDES EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY), Issue 9 2009
T. Yoshikawa
Background: Locally advanced gastric cancer with extensive lymph node metastasis is usually considered unresectable and so treated by chemotherapy. This trial explored the safety and efficacy of preoperative chemotherapy followed by extended surgery in the management of locally advanced gastric adenocarcinoma. Methods: Patients with gastric cancer with extensive lymph node metastasis received two or three 28-day cycles of induction chemotherapy with irinotecan (70 mg/m2 on days 1 and 15) and cisplatin (80 mg/m2 on day 1), and then underwent gastrectomy with curative intent with D2 plus para-aortic lymphadenectomy. Primary endpoints were 3-year overall survival and incidence of treatment-related death. Results: The study was terminated because of three treatment-related deaths when 55 patients had been enrolled (mortality rate above 5 per cent). Two deaths were due to myelosuppression and one to postoperative complications. Clinical response and R0 resection rates were 55 and 65 per cent respectively. The pathological response rate was 15 per cent. Median overall survival was 14·6 months and the 3-year survival rate 27 per cent. Conclusion: This multimodal treatment of locally advanced gastric cancer provides reasonable 3-year survival compared with historical data, but at a considerable cost in terms of morbidity and mortality. Copyright © 2009 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Phase 2 trial of combination thalidomide plus temozolomide in patients with metastatic malignant melanoma: Southwest Oncology Group S0508,

CANCER, Issue 2 2010
Joseph I. Clark MD
Abstract BACKGROUND: In limited institution phase 2 studies, thalidomide and temozolomide has yielded response rates (RRs) up to 32% for advanced melanoma, leading to the use of this combination as "standard" by some. We conducted a multicenter phase 2 trial to better define the clinical efficacy of thalidomide and temozolomide and the immune modulatory effects of thalidomide, when combined with temozolomide, in patients with metastatic melanoma. METHODS: Patients must have had stage IV cutaneous melanoma, no active brain metastases, Zubrod PS 0-1, up to 1 prior systemic therapy excluding thalidomide, temozolomide, or dacarbazine, adequate organ function, and given informed consent. The primary endpoint was 6-month progression-free survival (PFS). Secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), RR, toxicities, and assessment of relationships between biomarkers and clinical outcomes. Patients received thalidomide (200 mg/d escalated to 400 mg/d for patients <70, or 100 mg/d escalated to 250 mg/d for patients ,70) plus temozolomide (75 mg/m2/d × 6 weeks, and then 2 weeks rest). RESULTS: Sixty-four patients were enrolled; 2 refused treatment. The 6-month PFS was 15% (95% confidence interval [CI], 6%-23%), the 1-year OS was 35% (95% CI, 24%-47%), and the RR was 13% (95% CI, 5%-25%), all partial. One treatment-related death occurred from myocardial infarction; 3 other grade 4 events occurred, including pulmonary embolism, neutropenia, and central nervous system (CNS) ischemia. There was no significant correlation between biomarkers and PFS or OS. CONCLUSIONS: This combination of thalidomide and temozolomide does not appear to have a clinical benefit that exceeds dacarbazine alone. We would not recommend it further for phase 3 trials or for standard community use. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society. [source]


Multicenter Phase II study of estramustine phosphate plus weekly paclitaxel in patients with androgen-independent prostate carcinoma

CANCER, Issue 4 2004
David J. Vaughn M.D.
Abstract BACKGROUND The current study determined the efficacy and toxicity of weekly paclitaxel in combination with estramustine phosphate (EMP) in patients with androgen-independent prostate carcinoma (AIPC). METHODS Patients with progressive AIPC received 90 mg/m2 paclitaxel by 1-hour intravenous infusion weekly for 3 weeks, followed by a 1-week treatment rest. Patients received 140 mg EMP orally 3 times daily on the day before, the day of, and the day after paclitaxel administration. Patients received 1 mg warfarin daily to prevent thromboembolism. RESULTS Sixty-six patients with progressive AIPC received treatment at 29 centers. Forty-two percent of patients had a 50% decline in prostate-specific antigen (PSA; 95% confidence interval [CI], 30,54%). For 26 patients with bidimensionally measurable disease, the objective response rate was 15% (95% CI, 1,30%). The median time to disease progression was 6.3 months, and the median time to PSA progression was 11.4 months. The median survival period was 15.6 months. Grade 3,4 toxicities were uncommon and included thromboembolism (8%), anemia (3%), neutropenia (3%), and peripheral neuropathy (2%). There was one treatment-related death. CONCLUSIONS This regimen of EMP plus weekly paclitaxel was an active and well tolerated treatment for patients with AIPC. Cancer 2004;100:746,50. © 2004 American Cancer Society. [source]


High-dose ifosfamide with mesna and granuloctye,colony-stimulating factor (recombinant human G-CSF) in patients with unresectable malignant mesothelioma

CANCER, Issue 2 2003
A Southwest Oncology Group study
Abstract BACKGROUND The current study was conducted to assess the activity and toxicity of high-dose ifosfamide and mesna with recombinant human granulocyte,colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF), given in an outpatient setting, in the treatment of patients with unresectable malignant mesothelioma. METHODS Between September 1994 and September 1996, 41 patients with histologically verified, unresectable malignant mesothelioma were registered, 38 of whom were analyzable (2 were ineligible and 1 was nonanalyzable). Patients received intravenous ifosfamide at a dose of 2.8 g/m2 over 3 hours (total dose of 14 g/m2), plus mesna at a dose of 0.56 g/m2 prior to and at 4 hours and 8 hours after ifosfamide infusion daily for 5 days every 21 days. rhG-CSF at a dose of 5 ,g/kg/day was administered subcutaneously on days 6,15. RESULTS Response assessment could be determined adequately in 21 patients. Two patients obtained responses; 1 was a confirmed partial response (3%; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0,14%) and 1 was an unconfirmed response (3%; 95% CI, 5,14%). Eleven patients had stable disease (29%), 7 patients developed disease progression (18%), 1 patient had an early death (3%), and 17 patients had inadequate assessment (45%). At the time of last follow-up, 36 of the 38 eligible patients had developed disease progression, with a median progression-free survival of 5 months (95% CI, 3,7 months) and 34 patients had died with a median survival of 7 months (95% CI, 6,9 months). Twenty-four patients (63%) and 7 patients (18%), respectively, had Grade (according to Southwestern Oncology Group Toxicity Criteria) 4 hematologic toxicities and Grade 4 nonhematological toxicities. There was one treatment-related death, the result of infection, pulmonary edema, and renal failure. CONCLUSIONS This regimen demonstrated a low overall objective response rate with substantial toxicity, and in the opinion of the authors does not warrant further investigation in the treatment of patients with unresectable malignant mesothelioma. Cancer 2003;98:331,6. © 2003 American Cancer Society. DOI 10.1002/cncr.11512 [source]


Ifosfamide, etoposide, cytarabine, and dexamethasone as salvage treatment followed by high-dose cyclophosphamide, melphalan, and etoposide with autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation for relapsed or refractory lymphomas

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY, Issue 2 2007
P. Schütt
Abstract High-dose chemotherapy (HD-CT) with autologous stem cell transplantation is considered to be the treatment of choice for relapsed high-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) patients, but the optimal treatment has not yet been defined. We evaluated a salvage treatment regimen consisting of conventional cycles with ifosfamide, etoposide, cytarabine, and dexamethasone (IVAD) followed by two cycles of HD-CT consisting of cyclophosphamide, melphalan, and etoposide (CMV) with autologous stem cell support in patients with relapsed or refractory NHL (n = 59) and HL (n = 16). Response to IVAD was complete remission (CR) in 16 patients (21%), partial remission (PR) in 39 patients (52%), stable disease (SD) in 18 patients (24%), and progressive disease (PD) in two patients (2.7%). Of 70 patients treated with HD-CT, 41 patients (59%) showed a CR, 20 patients a PR (29%), eight patients a SD (11%), and one patient a PD (1.4%). The 5-yr overall survival for the entire group of patients was 29%, and for patients with NHL and HL 25%, and 38%, respectively. The respective event-free survival probabilities at 5 yr were 22%, 16%, and 31%. Seven treatment-related deaths due to septicemia (three), cardiac arrhythmia (one), pneumonia (one), pneumonitis (one), and toxic epidermal necrolysis (one) were observed. In multivariate analysis, an International Prognostic Index of ,2 and resistant disease to first-line chemotherapy were poor independent prognostic factors for the subgroup of patients with NHL. In conclusion, these results indicate that IVAD/CMV is feasible as a salvage therapy for lymphoma patients. This treatment is currently evaluated with the addition of rituximab. [source]


Absence of veno-occlussive disease in a cohort of multiple myeloma patients undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation with targeted busulfan dosage

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2006
A. Clopés
Abstract:,Background:,Plasma concentrations of oral busulfan (BU) were measured in multiple myeloma (MM) patients undergoing autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (ASCT) with a double alkylating conditioning protocol in order to individualise doses of BU based on individual pharmacokinetic parameters and to reduce toxicities related to BU exposure. Patients and methods:,Forty-four consecutive patients with MM participating in the co-operative Spanish protocol were prospectively evaluated. Conditioning regimen prior to autologous infusion consisted of BU followed by melphalan. BU pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated for each patient after the first dose based on measured concentrations and subsequent doses were modified as necessary to achieve target exposure. Results:,Mean BU exposure (AUCss) (±DS) before dosage modification range from 3192 to 12 180 ng h/mL. Twenty-six out of 44 (59%) patients required dose adjustment. None of the patients developed hepatic veno-occlusive disease (VOD). Grade , II oropharyngeal mucositis was observed in the majority of patients (95%) and the severity of mucositis increased with increasing average steady-state BU plasma concentration. There were four treatment-related deaths: two patients died from multiorgan failure and two of respiratory infections. Of the remaining 40 patients, 15 were in complete remission with negative immunofixation, 21 in partial remission and four in stable disease 3 months after ASCT. Conclusions:,The results of the present study show the variability in BU pharmacokinetic parameters and suggest the possible relationship between toxicities and BU exposure. Individualising BU dosage in MM patients undergoing ASCT we observed the absence of VOD. [source]


High-dose superselective intra-arterial cisplatin and concomitant radiation (radplat) for advanced head and neck cancer,

HEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 6 2004
Alfons J. M. Balm MD
Abstract Background. The purpose of this study was to study the effect of intensive targeted chemoradiation in a group of patients with head and neck cancer with stage IV inoperable disease. Methods. We examined 79 patients with inoperable stage IV head and neck cancer receiving intra-arterial infusion of high-dose cisplatin (150 mg/m2) on days 2, 9, 16, and 23 concomitant with delivery of external beam radiotherapy (total dose, 70 Gy; 2 Gy, 35 fractions; 1 fraction/day for 7 weeks). Sodium thiosulfate was administered intravenously to provide effective cisplatin neutralization. Results. Four patients were not assessable. Complete local tumor response was achieved in 72 patients (91%) and a partial response in three patients. The complete response rate of neck node metastases was 90%. The 1- and 2-year locoregional control rates were 82% and 69%, respectively. The median overall survival time was 2.2 years, with a 3-year overall survival probability of 43%. Acute toxicities were as follows: grade III/IV hematologic toxicity (22%/16%), grade III/IV nephrotoxicity (0%), grade III mucositis (43%), grade III skin reactions (24%), grade III toxicity of the upper gastrointestinal tract (57%), grade III nausea (20%), and grade III subjective hearing loss (10%). Grade V toxicity (treatment-related deaths) was 3.8%. Six (18%) of 33 patients with complete remission needed tube feeding 2 years after treatment without intercurrent salvage surgery. Conclusions. Supradose superselective intra-arterial cisplatin and concomitant radiation is an effective organ-preserving therapy in an unfavorable group of patients. Our series confirms encouraging results reported previously. This regimen is justified in unresectable patients despite the substantial toxicity. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck26: 485,493, 2004 [source]


Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in severe and refractory systemic lupus erythematosus,

ARTHRITIS & RHEUMATISM, Issue 8 2010
Lingyun Sun
Objective Umbilical cord (UC),derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown marked therapeutic effects in a number of diseases in animal studies, based on their potential for self-renewal and differentiation. No data are available on the effectiveness of UC MSC transplantation (MSCT) in human autoimmune disease. This study was undertaken to assess the efficacy and safety of allogeneic UC MSCT in patients with severe and treatment-refractory systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods We conducted a single-arm trial that involved 16 SLE patients whose disease was refractory to standard treatment or who had life-threatening visceral involvement. All of the patients gave consent and underwent UC MSCT. Clinical changes were evaluated before and after transplantation using the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), measurement of serum antinuclear antibody (ANA), anti,double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibody, serum complement C3 and C4, and albumin levels, and assessment of and renal function. Evaluation of potential mechanisms of MSCT effects focused on the percentage of peripheral blood Treg cells and serum levels of cytokines. Results From April 2007 to July 2009, a total of 16 patients with active SLE were enrolled and underwent UC MSCT. The median followup time after MSCT was 8.25 months (range 3,28 months). Significant improvements in the SLEDAI score, levels of serum ANA, anti-dsDNA antibody, serum albumin, and complement C3, and renal function were observed. Clinical remission was accompanied by an increase in peripheral Treg cells and a re-established balance between Th1- and Th2-related cytokines. Significant reduction in disease activity was achieved in all patients, and there has been no recurrence to date and no treatment-related deaths. Conclusion Our findings indicate that UC MSCT results in amelioration of disease activity, serologic changes, and stabilization of proinflammatory cytokines. These data provide a foundation for conducting a randomized controlled trial of this new therapy for severe and treatment-refractory SLE. [source]


Phase II study of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and extended surgery for locally advanced gastric cancer,

BRITISH JOURNAL OF SURGERY (NOW INCLUDES EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SURGERY), Issue 9 2009
T. Yoshikawa
Background: Locally advanced gastric cancer with extensive lymph node metastasis is usually considered unresectable and so treated by chemotherapy. This trial explored the safety and efficacy of preoperative chemotherapy followed by extended surgery in the management of locally advanced gastric adenocarcinoma. Methods: Patients with gastric cancer with extensive lymph node metastasis received two or three 28-day cycles of induction chemotherapy with irinotecan (70 mg/m2 on days 1 and 15) and cisplatin (80 mg/m2 on day 1), and then underwent gastrectomy with curative intent with D2 plus para-aortic lymphadenectomy. Primary endpoints were 3-year overall survival and incidence of treatment-related death. Results: The study was terminated because of three treatment-related deaths when 55 patients had been enrolled (mortality rate above 5 per cent). Two deaths were due to myelosuppression and one to postoperative complications. Clinical response and R0 resection rates were 55 and 65 per cent respectively. The pathological response rate was 15 per cent. Median overall survival was 14·6 months and the 3-year survival rate 27 per cent. Conclusion: This multimodal treatment of locally advanced gastric cancer provides reasonable 3-year survival compared with historical data, but at a considerable cost in terms of morbidity and mortality. Copyright © 2009 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Erlotinib plus bevacizumab in previously treated patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma

CANCER, Issue 4 2008
David M. Jackman MD
Abstract BACKGROUND. We conducted a phase 2, multicenter, open-label study of erlotinib plus bevacizumab in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma who had previously received 1 prior chemotherapy regimen. These agents have activity in non,small cell lung cancer, but their role in mesothelioma is unclear. The primary endpoint is response rate. Secondary endpoints include time to progression, survival, and toxicity. METHODS. Eligible patients with mesothelioma who had previously received 1 chemotherapy regimen were treated with erlotinib 150 mg per os daily and bevacizumab 15 mg/kg administered intravenously on Day 1 of a 21-day cycle. Treatment continued until disease progression or development of significant toxicity. Tumor response was assessed after every 2 cycles using previously established mesothelioma response criteria from Byrne and Nowak. RESULTS. Twenty-four eligible patients initiated therapy with erlotinib and bevacizumab between February 2004 and October 2006. There were no complete or partial responses, although 12 patients achieved stable disease for at least 2 cycles of treatment. The median time to progression was 2.2 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4 months-5.9 months). The median survival was 5.8 months (95% CI, 2.8 months-10.1 months). The most common toxicities were rash and diarrhea. There were no treatment-related deaths, intracranial bleeding, or hemoptysis. CONCLUSIONS. The combination of erlotinib and bevacizumab was tolerated reasonably well, but there was no evidence of radiographic response. This study demonstrates the feasibility of conducting trials in mesothelioma patients who have failed first-line therapy. More therapeutic studies with effective agents are needed for these patients. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society. [source]


A Phase II study of gemcitabine and cisplatin in advanced biliary tract cancer

CANCER, Issue 6 2006
Seung Tai Kim M.D.
Abstract BACKGROUND The authors performed a Phase II study of combination chemotherapy with gemcitabine and cisplatin in patients with inoperable biliary tract cancer to evaluate efficacy and toxicity of this combination. In addition, the correlation between the CA 19-9 response and clinical outcome was analyzed. METHODS The eligibility criteria for this study were 1) histologically or cytologically confirmed inoperable biliary tract cancer in patients with metastatic or recurrent disease; 2) age between 18 and 70 years; 3) at least 1 measurable lesion according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) criteria; 4) an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status , 2; 5) a life expectancy of at least 3 mos; and 6) adequate bone marrow, hepatic, and renal function. The patients received gemcitabine (1250 mg/m2, Days 1 and 8) and cisplatin (60 mg/m2, Day 1) every 3 weeks. Tumor response was assessed by RECIST criteria every 2 cycles of chemotherapy. Treatment was continued until progression of disease was documented. RESULTS Twenty-nine patients were enrolled. The median age of these patients was 52 years (range, 37 to 69 yrs), and the median ECOG performance status was 1. No complete response was observed, and 10 of 29 patients had partial responses. The overall response rate was 34.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 17.9,54.3) for the intent-to-treat analysis. Stable disease was observed in 4 (13.8%) patients and progressive disease in 13 (44.8%) patients. The median follow-up time was 10.0 months (95% CI, 7.2,12.8). The median time to progression (TTP) was 3.0 months (95% CI, 2.12,3.88), and the median overall survival was 11 months (95% CI, 5.49,16.5). Although these results showed a better response rate (57.1 % vs. 27.3%) and survival (12 vs. 10 mos) in patients with a decline in CA 19-9 of at least 25%, these data were statistically not significant. In addition, there was a significant positive correlation between the increment in CA 19-9 values and tumor progression as determined with RECIST criteria (r = 0.96, P < 0.01). However, there was no definite correlation between the CA 19-9 response and the response according to RECIST criteria (P = 0.087). National Cancer Institute (NCI) common toxicity criteria (CTC) Grade 3 or 4 hematologic toxicities included neutropenia in 4 (14%) patients and anemia in 1 (3%) patient. Two of 4 patients with Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia had febrile episodes (7%) and required hospital admissions. NCI-CTC Grade 3 or 4 nonhematologic toxicity included nausea in 1 (3%) patient. There were no treatment-related deaths. CONCLUSION The combination chemotherapy with gemcitabine and cisplatin in inoperable biliary tract cancer was tolerable for most patients and showed modest response rates. The role of CA 19-9 monitoring as a surrogate biomarker in patients with BTC treated with gemcitabine chemotherapy should be further investigated. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society. [source]