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Phase II Study (phase + ii_study)
Selected AbstractsPhase I/II study of a fine-powder formulation of cisplatin for transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in hepatocellular carcinomaHEPATOLOGY RESEARCH, Issue 4 2010Masamichi Moriguchi Aim:, The clinical feasibility of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) with fine-powder cisplatin (CDDP) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been investigated. A phase I/II study was conducted to investigate the safety and tolerability of fine-powder CDDP when it was used with lipiodol and gelatin sponge particles for TACE. Methods:, Fine-powder CDDP emulsified in lipiodol was injected into tumor arteries. Embolization was subsequently performed with gelatin sponge particles. The CDDP dose was started at 45 mg/m2 (level 1) and increased to 65 mg/m2 in 10 mg/m2 increments. Results:, Thirteen patients were enrolled in phase I study since no dose limiting toxicity was observed in any patients, even in seven patients at level 3 (65 mg/m2), the recommended dose was 65 mg/m2. The major adverse event was grade 3 thrombocytopenia, which occurred in 8% of patients. The incidence of hematological toxicities was 15% for leukocytopenia, 84% for thrombocytopenia, and 84% for anemia. Increased serum total bilirubin was observed in 54% and increased aspartate aminotransferase or alanine aminotransferase in all patients. All digestive tract symptoms (nausea 77%, anorexia 84%, vomiting 31%) were grade 2 or lower. Total adverse events were grade 3 or higher in 44%. The response rate in 19 patients who received the recommended dose was 21%. Conclusions:, TACE with a fine-powder formulation of CDDP at a dose of 65 mg/m2 is well tolerated in patients with unresectable HCC. [source] Phase I/II study of single-agent bortezomib for the treatment of patients with myelofibrosis.AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HEMATOLOGY, Issue 8 2010Clinical, biological effects of proteasome inhibition First page of article [source] Phase I/II study of topical imiquimod and intralesional interleukin-2 in the treatment of accessible metastases in malignant melanomaBRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 2 2007D.S. Green Summary Background, Patients with metastatic skin disease in malignant melanoma can be difficult to treat effectively, often requiring repeated treatments with different modalities in an attempt to control their disease. Treatment of nonsurgically resectable melanoma deposits is unsatisfactory, as they are often multiple and recurring. Anecdotal evidence from individual use of imiquimod in superficial metastases and intralesional interleukin (IL)-2 in subcutaneous deposits suggests that the combination may be more effective in bulky subcutaneous disease. Objectives, To investigate the combination of topical imiquimod and, for selected lesions, intralesional IL-2, to treat a small cohort of patients with accessible melanoma metastases resistant to other treatments. Methods, Thirteen patients were recruited: all had evidence of multiple cutaneous and/or subcutaneous metastases. Imiquimod was applied to the metastases on a daily basis for 4 weeks, before the introduction of intralesional IL-2. This was injected up to three times a week, into selected lesions, with 0·1 mL injected per lesion at a concentration of 3·6 MIU mL,1, a total of 1 mL being given at each session. The treated lesions were assessed individually at intervals of 3 months. Results, Thirteen patients were treated, with 10 being eligible for assessment. In total, 182 lesions were treated: 137 purely cutaneous lesions and 41 subcutaneous lesions. Overall, a clinical response was seen in 92 lesions (50·5%) with 74 (40·7%) of these being a complete response (CR) with 91% of the CRs being in the cutaneous lesions. New lesions did appear during the treatment course; however, patients with cutaneous disease experienced a marked slowing of the appearance of new cutaneous lesions. No cutaneous lesions that responded reappeared on cessation of treatment. Conclusions, The combination of imiquimod and IL-2 is effective in controlling this mixed cutaneous and subcutaneous disease, and is well tolerated. Imiquimod alone is often enough to elicit a response in purely cutaneous lesions. The addition of intralesional IL-2 increases the response rates in subcutaneous lesions, and in otherwise refractory cutaneous lesions. [source] Boron Neutron Capture Therapy for glioblastoma multiforme: advantage of prolonged infusion of BPA-fACTA NEUROLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 1 2010K. Sköld Sköld K, H-Stenstam B, Diaz AZ, Giusti V, Pellettieri L, Hopewell JW. Boron Neutron Capture Therapy for glioblastoma multiforme: advantage of prolonged infusion of BPA-f. Acta Neurol Scand: 2010: 122: 58,62. © 2009 The Authors Journal compilation © 2009 Blackwell Munksgaard. Objectives,,, To assess possible improved efficacy of Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) using prolonged infusion and a correspondingly higher dose of l-boronophenylalanine, as the fructose complex (BPA-f). Materials and methods,,, The benefit of prolonged infusion was analyzed by comparing the results from a Phase II study using 6 h infusion of BPA-f with those obtained from a Phase I/II study using 2 h of infusion. Median survival time (MST) from diagnosis, patient baseline characteristics, salvage treatment and severe adverse events were considered in the comparison. Results,,, MST increased significantly, from 12.8 (95% confidence interval or CI: 10.3,14.0) months with 2 h infusion to 17.7 (95% CI: 13.6,19.9) months with 6 h of infusion. The fraction of patients with WHO grade 3,4 adverse events was similar in the two studies at 13% and 14%, respectively. Conclusion,,, Prolonged infusion was found to be beneficial for the efficacy of BNCT and it is suggested that 6 h infusion of BPA-f should be used in future trials of BNCT for GBM. BNCT, which is a single-day treatment with mild side effects, should be assessed in a controlled trial, as an alternative to 30 daily fractions of conventional fractionated photon therapy over a period of 6 weeks. [source] Phase I/II trial of adding semisynthetic homoharringtonine in chronic myeloid leukemia patients who have achieved partial or complete cytogenetic response on imatinibCANCER, Issue 9 2005David Marin M.D. Abstract BACKGROUND A Phase I/II study was designed to show whether the addition of semisynthetic homoharringtonine (sHHT) would reduce the level of residual disease in patients with Ph-positive chronic myeloid leukemia who appeared to have achieved a suboptimal response to imatinib alone. METHODS Patients with CML who had achieved , 35% Ph-negativity on imatinib were included. All patients had been treated with imatinib at , 400 mg/day for at least 2 years and had achieved a plateau in BCR-ABL transcripts defined by measuring BCR-ABL transcripts on at least 4 occasions over a minimum period of 1 year with the latest value not lower than the previous minimum value. Initially sHHT was given subcutaneously at a dose of 1.25 mg/m2 twice daily for 1 day. Courses were repeated every 28 days. The dosage of sHHT was escalated by adding one day of treatment every two days. Efficacy was assessed by serial monitoring of blood levels of BCR-ABL transcripts. RESULTS Of 10 evaluable patients, 7 had an appreciable decline in BCR-ABL transcript levels; in 5 cases the reduction was greater than 1 log. Asthenia (n = 10) and cytopenias (n = 3) were prominent side-effects, but the drug was generally well tolerated. Mutations in the P-loop of the BCR-ABL kinase domain were found in 2 of the patients who responded to the addition of sHHT. CONCLUSIONS The addition of sHHT should be considered for patients on imatinib who fail to obtain low levels of minimal residual disease. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society. [source] EXTEND-I: safety and efficacy of ranibizumab in Japanese patients with subfoveal choroidal neovascularization secondary to age-related macular degenerationACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 3 2010Yasuo Tano Abstract. Purpose:, To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravitreal ranibizumab for subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in Japanese patients. Methods:, This open-label, multicentre, Phase I/II study enroled patients into Group A (single injection of ranibizumab nonrandomized doses of 0.3 or 0.5 mg followed by 11 monthly injections of the same dose) and Group B (12 monthly injections of ranibizumab randomized to 0.3 or 0.5 mg). The primary efficacy endpoint was the mean change from baseline in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) score at Month 6. Safety was evaluated in all patients who received ranibizumab. Results:, Of 88 patients enroled, 12 entered Group A (six per dose) and 76 entered Group B (0.3 mg: n = 35; 0.5 mg: n = 41). Mean change from baseline in BCVA was significantly increased for both doses (Group B) at Month 6 (0.3 mg: +8.1 letters, p = 0.0006; 0.5 mg: +9.0 letters, p < 0.0001) and Month 12 (0.3 mg: +9.5 letters, p = 0.0001; 0.5 mg: +10.5 letters, p < 0.0001). At Month 12, one patient (0.3 mg) and 0 patients (0.5 mg) lost ,15 letters, while 37.1% (0.3 mg) and 31.7% (0.5 mg) of patients gained ,15 letters. Ocular serious adverse events (SAEs) of the study eye were reported in 1 and 2 patients in the 0.3- and 0.5-mg groups, respectively. Nonocular SAEs were experienced by 2 and 5 patients in the 0.3- and 0.5-mg groups, respectively. No cases of endophthalmitis were reported. Conclusion:, Ranibizumab was effective and well tolerated in Japanese patients with subfoveal CNV secondary to AMD. [source] Concurrent chemoradiotherapy with weekly paclitaxel and carboplatin for locally advanced head and neck cancer: Long-term follow-up of a Brown University Oncology Group Phase II Study (HN-53)HEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 3 2008Prakash B. Chougule MD Abstract Background. A phase II study was conducted using concurrent paclitaxel, carboplatin, and external beam radiotherapy (RT) in patients with advanced head and neck cancer. Methods. Forty-three patients (stage III, n = 12; stage IV, n = 31) were treated with 8 cycles of weekly paclitaxel (60 mg/m2), carboplatin (area under the curve [AUC] = 1), and RT (1.8 Gy daily; total dose, 66,72 Gy). Patients with initially palpable lymph nodes underwent neck dissection. Results. The overall clinical response rate was 91% (65% complete, 26% partial). Severe mucositis occurred in 37 (90%) patients, necessitating hospitalization in 13 (31%) patients. With a median follow-up of 49 months, the locoregional and distant failure rates were 26% and 21%, respectively. Conclusions. Concurrent paclitaxel, carboplatin, and RT for advanced head and neck cancer results in high complete response rates. Long-term follow-up has revealed the curative potential of this regimen, though the doses used resulted in unacceptable toxicity. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 2008 [source] Early Clinical Results: SOUNDTEC Implantable Hearing Device Phase II Study,THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 1 2001J. V. D. Hough MD Abstract Objective To assess the safety and efficacy of a new semi-implantable electromagnetic hearing device, the SOUNDTECÔ Direct Drive Hearing System (DDHS), and to compare its performance with that of subjects' previously worn, optimally fit hearing aids. Preliminary results for the first 10 subjects are presented. Study Design The protocol specified in the Investigational Device Exemption is used in this ongoing FDA phase II 100-subject multicenter clinical trial. Methods For baseline, each subject is tested wearing his or her own optimally fit hearing aid in the ear to be implanted. Six-month postoperative outcome measures using the SOUNDTEC DDHS are compared with the baseline. Multiple objective and subjective outcomes (as listed under Results) were measured. Results When compared with the subjects' optimally fit hearing aids, the SOUNDTEC DDHS provided an average improvement of 52% in functional gain (250,6000 Hz), 22% in aided thresholds, 3.8% for speech discrimination in quiet, 17% for speech in noise, 13.1% in articulation index scores, 28% in aided benefit, 27.3% in sound quality of speech, and a 16.7% increase in overall subject satisfaction. In addition, with the SOUNDTEC DDHS, subjects reported absence of acoustic feedback, little or no occlusive effects, and more natural sound perception. Conclusion Analysis of data on the first 10 subjects using the SOUNDTEC DDHS indicates positive outcomes regarding safety and efficacy, although the small sample size is not sufficient to permit valid statistical inferences to be drawn from our preliminary data. Results also demonstrate improvement in performance compared with the subjects' optimally fit hearing aids and an improvement in quality of life as demonstrated by objective and subjective tests and measures. [source] Phase II study of arsenic trioxide and ascorbic acid for relapsed or refractory lymphoid malignancies: a Wisconsin Oncology Network study,HEMATOLOGICAL ONCOLOGY, Issue 1 2009JE Chang Abstract Arsenic trioxide (As2O3) has established clinical activity in acute promyelocytic leukaemia and has pre-clinical data suggesting activity in lymphoid malignancies. Cell death from As2O3 may be the result of oxidative stress. Agents which deplete intracellular glutathione, such as ascorbic acid (AA), may potentiate arsenic-mediated apoptosis. This multi-institution phase II study investigated a novel dosing schedule of As2O3 and AA in patients with relapsed or refractory lymphoid malignancies. Patients received As2O3 0.25,mg/kg IV and AA 1000,mg IV for five consecutive days during the first week of each cycle followed by twice weekly infusions during weeks 2,6. Cycles were repeated every 8 weeks. The primary end point was objective response. In a subset of patients, sequential levels of intracellular glutathione and measures of Bcl-2 and Bax gene expression were evaluated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells during treatment. Seventeen patients were enrolled between March 2002 and February 2004. The median age was 71, and the majority of enrolled patients had non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (12/17). Sixteen patients were evaluable, and one patient with mantle cell lymphoma achieved an unconfirmed complete response after five cycles of therapy for an overall response rate of 6%. The trial, which had been designed as a two-stage study, was closed after the first stage analysis due to lack of activity. Haematologic toxicities were the most commonly reported events in this heavily pre-treated population, and comprised the majority of grade 3 and 4 toxicities. Intracellular depletion of glutathione was not consistently observed during treatment. As2O3 and AA in this novel dosing strategy was generally well tolerated but had limited activity in patients with relapsed and refractory lymphoid malignancies. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] A Phase II study of 153Sm-EDTMP and high-dose melphalan as a peripheral blood stem cell conditioning regimen in patients with multiple myeloma,AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HEMATOLOGY, Issue 6 2010Angela Dispenzieri Multiple myeloma (MM) remains an incurable illness affecting nearly 20,000 individuals in the United States per year. High-dose melphalan (HDM) with autologous hematopoietic stem cell support (ASCT) is one of the mainstays of therapy for younger patients, but little advancement has been made with regards to conditioning regimens. We opted to combine 153Samarium ethylenediaminetetramethylenephosphonate (153Sm-EDTMP), a radiopharmaceutical approved for the palliation of pain caused by metastatic bone lesions, with HDM and ASCT in a Phase II study. Individualized doses of 153Sm were based on dosimetry and were calculated to deliver 40 Gy to the bone marrow. The therapeutic dose of 153Sm-EDTMP was followed by HDM and ASCT. Forty-six patients with newly diagnosed or relapsed disease were treated. Study patients were compared to 102 patients contemporaneously treated with HDM and ASCT. Fifty-nine percent of study patients achieved a very good partial response (VGPR) or better. With a median follow-up of 7.1 years, the median overall survival and progression free survival (PFS) from study registration was 6.2 years (95% CI 4.6,7.5 years) and 1.5 years (1.1,2.2 years), respectively, which compared favorably to contemporaneously treated non-study patients. Addition of high-dose 153Sm-EDTMP to melphalan conditioning appears to be safe, well tolerated, and worthy of further study in the context of novel agents and in the Phase III setting. Am. J. Hematol. 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] A Phase II intra-patient dose-escalation trial of weight-based darbepoetin alfa with or without granulocyte-colony stimulating factor in myelodysplastic syndromes,AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HEMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2009Jason Gotlib This Phase II study evaluated darbepoetin alfa (DA) in 24 patients with predominantly low or intermediate-1 risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Intra-patient dose escalation of DA was undertaken in three 6-week dose cohorts until a major erythroid response was achieved: 4.5 mcg/kg/week, 9 mcg/kg/week, and 9 mcg/kg/week plus granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) 2.5 mcg/kg twice weekly. Patients with refractory anemia with ringed sideroblasts (RARS) commenced DA at 9 mcg/kg/week. The weight-based dosing regimen translated into a median starting DA dose of 390 mcg/week. Erythroid responses were observed in 16/24 patients (67%; 12 major and 4 minor), with a median response duration of 11 months in major responders. Addition of G-CSF generated a major erythroid response in 7/15 patients (47%) who suboptimally responded to DA alone. DA was well tolerated, except for worsening of baseline mild hypertension and renal insufficiency in one patient with diabetes. IPSS score <0.5 and RBC transfusions <2 units/month increased the probability of an erythroid response. A minority of subjects (12%) developed low-level non-neutralizing anti-DA antibodies. Our data indicate that weekly weight-based dosing of DA, with the addition of G-CSF in selected individuals, can be an effective erythropoietic option in a high proportion of lower-risk MDS patients. Am. J. Hematol, 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] ORIGINAL RESEARCH,PEYRONIE'S DISEASE: Use of Penile Extender Device in the Treatment of Penile Curvature as a Result of Peyronie's Disease.THE JOURNAL OF SEXUAL MEDICINE, Issue 2 2009Results of a Phase II Prospective Study ABSTRACT Introduction., Pilot experiences have suggested that tension forces exerted by a penile extender may reduce penile curvature as a result of Peyronie's disease. Aim., To test this hypothesis in a Phase II study using a commonly marketed brand of penile extender. Methods., Peyronie's disease patients with a curvature not exceeding 50° with mild or no erectile dysfunction (ED) were eligible. Fifteen patients were required to test the efficacy of the device assuming an effect size of >0.8, consistent with an "important" reduction in penile curvature. Changes in penile length over baseline and erectile function (EF) domain scores of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) constituted secondary end points. Main Outcome Measures., Patients were counselled on the use of the penile extender for at least 5 hours per day for 6 months. Photographic pictures of the erect penis and measurements were carried out at baseline, at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months (end of study). The IIEF-EF domain scores were administered at baseline and at the end of study. Treatment satisfaction was assessed at end of study using a nonvalidated institutional 5-item questionnaire. Results., Penile curvature decreased from an average of 31° to 27° at 6 months without reaching the effect size (P = 0.056). Mean stretched and flaccid penile length increased by 1.3 and 0.83 cm, respectively at 6 months. Results were maintained at 12 months. Overall treatment results were subjectively scored as acceptable in spite of curvature improvements, which varied from "no change" to "mild improvement." Conclusions., In our study, the use of a penile extender device provided only minimal improvements in penile curvature but a reasonable level of patient satisfaction, probably attributable to increased penile length. The selection of patients with a stabilized disease, a penile curvature not exceeding 50°, and no severe ED may have led to outcomes underestimating the potential efficacy of the treatment. Gontero P, Di Marco M, Giubilei G, Bartoletti R, Pappagallo G, Tizzani A, and Mondaini N. Use of penile extender device in the treatment of penile curvature as a result of Peyronie's disease. Results of a phase II prospective study. J Sex Med 2009;6:558,566. [source] Sotrastaurin, a Novel Small Molecule Inhibiting Protein Kinase C: First Clinical Results in Renal-Transplant RecipientsAMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 3 2010K. Budde Sotrastaurin, a novel protein-kinase-C inhibitor, blocks early T-cell activation. In this 12-month, Phase II study, de novo renal-transplant patients were randomized to sotrastaurin (200 mg b.i.d.) + standard-exposure tacrolimus (SET) or reduced-exposure tacrolimus (RET) (SET: n = 76; RET: n = 66), or control (SET + mycophenolic acid [MPA, 720 mg b.i.d.]; n = 74). In both sotrastaurin groups, patients were converted from tacrolimus to MPA after Month 3, achieving calcineurin inhibitor-free immunosuppression. The primary endpoint was composite efficacy failure (treated biopsy-proven acute rejection, graft loss, death or loss to follow-up). The key secondary endpoint was glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Composite efficacy failure rates were: 4.1%, 5.4% and 1.5% at Month 3 (preconversion) and 7.8%, 44.8% and 34.1% at study end in the control, sotrastaurin + SET and sotrastaurin + RET groups, respectively; these results led to premature study discontinuation. Median GFR at Month 6 was: 57.0, 53.0 and 60.0 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively. Study-drug discontinuations due to adverse events occurred in 16.2%, 18.4% and 12.1%, respectively. Leukopenia and neutropenia occurred more frequently preconversion in control versus sotrastaurin groups: 13.7%, 5.6%, and 4.6%; and 11.1%, 4.3% and 3.1%, respectively. The initial sotrastaurin + tacrolimus regimen was efficacious and well tolerated but the postconversion sotrastaurin + MPA regimen showed inadequate efficacy. Longer-term evaluation of sotrastaurin + tacrolimus is warranted. [source] Phase II study of irinotecan in combination with capecitabine as a first-line chemotherapy in Asian patients with inoperable hepatocellular carcinomaASIA-PACIFIC JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY, Issue 2 2009Tony MOK Abstract Aim: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most commonly fatal malignancies in Asia but treatment options are limited. Methods: This multinational, nonrandomized phase II trial using the combination of irinotecan (Campto or CPT-11) and capecitabine (Xeloda) was conducted to determine efficacy and safety of this combination in Asian patients with advanced inoperable HCC. The starting dose was irinotecan 200 mg/m2 every 3 weeks followed by capecitabine 1000 mg/m2 orally twice daily for 14 days followed by a 7-day rest. The primary endpoint was tumor response rate, based on response evaluation criteria in solid tumors criteria. Secondary objectives included the safety and tolerability of the treatment combination, time to progression, duration of overall response, tumor growth control rate (complete response, partial response plus stable disease) and overall survival. Results: Of the 63 recruited patients, 47 were evaluable. Of these, three (6.4%) achieved a partial response (lasting 2.2, 3.4 and 8.0 months, respectively). The median overall survival was 4.5 months. Grade 4 diarrhea was reported in four patients. Hematologic grade 4 laboratory abnormalities observed in patients while on study treatment included neutropenia (5.2%) and anemia (1.7%). Seven patients (12.1%) had grade 4 elevations in their total bilirubin. Both irinotecan and capecitabine were generally well tolerated, with manageable and reversible toxicities. Conclusion: Combination therapy with irinotecan and capecitabine has limited efficacy in the treatment of advanced-stage HCC. Further investigation of this combination is not warranted. [source] Phase II study of gemcitabine and docetaxel in combination for the treatment of metastatic breast cancerASIA-PACIFIC JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY, Issue 1 2009Shom GOEL Abstract Aim: Gemcitabine (G) and docetaxel (D) have both shown activity in the treatment of anthracycline-pretreated patients with metastatic breast cancer. This phase II study was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the GD combination. Methods: Patients with measurable locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer who had previously received anthracycline-based therapy were eligible. The patients received D 40 mg/m2 followed by G 800 mg/m2 IV on days 1 and 8 every 3 weeks for a maximum of eight cycles. Results: Thirty patients were enrolled and received a median of five cycles (range 0,8). Of these, 24 were evaluable for efficacy, with an overall response rate of 29.2% (95% CI, 12.6,51.1%). An additional 36.7% had a stable disease for an overall clinical benefit of 65.9%. The median duration of response was 2.1 months (95% CI, 2.0,3.6 months) and the median time to disease progression was 5.5 months (95% CI, 2.0,8.9 months). The median survival time was 16.7 months (95% CI, 7.3,32.0 months). Myelosuppression was the major toxicity, with grade 3/4 neutropenia in 73.3% of patients and febrile neutropenia in 6.7%. Conclusion: Weekly G and D is an active and safe regimen in treating metastatic breast cancer. The response rate was lower than that previously reported for this combination, which may relate to the lower doses used and the weekly D schedule. It may be worthwhile to further explore this combination to determine the optimal dosing schedule. [source] Phase II study of S-1 and irinotecan combination chemotherapy as a first-line therapy for patients with advanced gastric cancer.ASIA-PACIFIC JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY, Issue 1 2009Korean Cancer Study Group Protocol ST05-0 Abstract Background: Irinotecan plus intravenous 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) with leucovorin is effective against gastrointestinal cancer. S-1 is an oral fluoropyrimidine derivative and has a high response rate of about 40% for patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC). We evaluated the antitumor activity and toxicities of an S-1 and irinotecan combination as a first-line therapy for patients with AGC. Methods: Patients with histologically confirmed unresectable or metastatic AGC were treated with S-1 40 mg/m2 PO twice daily on days 1,14 and irinotecan 150 mg/m2 i.v. on day 1 every 3 weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicities resulted. Results: A total of 45 patients were enrolled between September 2005 and March 2007. After a median of seven cycles of chemotherapy (range: 1,20, total: 350), 42 and 44 patients were evaluable for response and toxicity, respectively. On the intention-to-treat analysis, the overall response rate was 48.9% (95% C.I. 34.3,63.5%). The median time to progression was 5.7 months (95% C.I. 4.3,7.1) and the median overall survival was 10.4 months (95% C.I. 6.1,14.7). The commonly observed grade 3/4 adverse events were neutropenia (29.5% of patients) and vomiting (13.6%). Conclusion: An S-1 and irinotecan combination chemotherapy is active and tolerable as a first-line therapy for AGC. [source] Phase II study of the histone deacetylase inhibitor MGCD0103 in patients with previously treated chronic lymphocytic leukaemiaBRITISH JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY, Issue 4 2009Kristie A. Blum Summary MGCD0103, an orally available class I histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, was examined for pre-clinical activity in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). A phase II clinical trial was performed, starting at a dose of 85 mg/d, three times per week. Dose escalation to 110 mg or the addition of rituximab was permitted in patients without a response after two or more cycles. MGCD0103 demonstrated pre-clinical activity against CLL cells with a LC50 (concentration lethal to 50%) of 0·23 ,mol/l and increased acetylation of the HDAC class I specific target histone H3. Twenty-one patients received a median of two cycles of MGCD0103 (range, 0,12). All patients had previously received fludarabine, 33% were fludarabine refractory, and 71% had del(11q22·3) or del(17p13·1). No responses according to the National Cancer Institutes 1996 criteria were observed. Three patients received 110 mg and four patients received concomitant rituximab, with no improvement in response. Grade 3,4 toxicity consisted of infections, thrombocytopenia, anaemia, diarrhoea, and fatigue. HDAC inhibition was observed in six out of nine patients on day 8. Limited activity was observed with single agent MGCD0103 in high risk patients with CLL. Future investigations in CLL should focus on broad HDAC inhibition, combination strategies, and approaches to diminish constitutional symptoms associated with this class of drugs. [source] Boron Neutron Capture Therapy for glioblastoma multiforme: advantage of prolonged infusion of BPA-fACTA NEUROLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 1 2010K. Sköld Sköld K, H-Stenstam B, Diaz AZ, Giusti V, Pellettieri L, Hopewell JW. Boron Neutron Capture Therapy for glioblastoma multiforme: advantage of prolonged infusion of BPA-f. Acta Neurol Scand: 2010: 122: 58,62. © 2009 The Authors Journal compilation © 2009 Blackwell Munksgaard. Objectives,,, To assess possible improved efficacy of Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) using prolonged infusion and a correspondingly higher dose of l-boronophenylalanine, as the fructose complex (BPA-f). Materials and methods,,, The benefit of prolonged infusion was analyzed by comparing the results from a Phase II study using 6 h infusion of BPA-f with those obtained from a Phase I/II study using 2 h of infusion. Median survival time (MST) from diagnosis, patient baseline characteristics, salvage treatment and severe adverse events were considered in the comparison. Results,,, MST increased significantly, from 12.8 (95% confidence interval or CI: 10.3,14.0) months with 2 h infusion to 17.7 (95% CI: 13.6,19.9) months with 6 h of infusion. The fraction of patients with WHO grade 3,4 adverse events was similar in the two studies at 13% and 14%, respectively. Conclusion,,, Prolonged infusion was found to be beneficial for the efficacy of BNCT and it is suggested that 6 h infusion of BPA-f should be used in future trials of BNCT for GBM. BNCT, which is a single-day treatment with mild side effects, should be assessed in a controlled trial, as an alternative to 30 daily fractions of conventional fractionated photon therapy over a period of 6 weeks. [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 2009T. 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 II study of lenalidomide in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinomaCANCER, Issue 11 2006Toni K. Choueiri MD Abstract BACKGROUND. Lenalidomide (LEN) is a structural and functional analogue of thalidomide that has demonstrated enhanced immunomodulatory properties and a more favorable toxicity profile. A Phase II, open-label study of LEN in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) was conducted to determine its safety and clinical activity. METHODS. Patients with metastatic RCC received LEN orally at a dose of 25 mg daily for the first 21 days of a 28-day cycle. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate. Time to treatment failure, safety, and survival were secondary endpoints. RESULTS. In total, 28 patients participated in the trial and were included in the current analysis. Three of 28 patients (11%) demonstrated partial responses and continued to be progression-free for >15 months. Eleven patients (39%) had stable disease that lasted >3 months, including 8 patients who had tumor shrinkage. In total, 6 patients (21%) remained on the trial, and 5 additional patients continued to be followed for survival. The median follow-up for those 11 patients was 13.5 months (range, 8.3,17.0 months). The median survival had not been reached at the time of the current report. Serious adverse events included fatigue (11%), skin toxicity (11%), and neutropenia (36%). CONCLUSIONS. LEN demonstrated an antitumor effect in metastatic RCC, as evidenced by durable partial responses. LEN toxicities were manageable. Further studies will be required to assess the overall activity of LEN in patients with metastatic RCC. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society. [source] Phase II study of daily oral perifosine in patients with advanced soft tissue sarcoma,CANCER, Issue 10 2006Howard H. Bailey MD Abstract BACKGROUND. A multicenter Phase II study was performed to evaluate the clinical activity of an initial loading (150 mg every 6 hours × 4 doses) dose followed by continuous daily oral dosing (100 mg/day) of perifosine in patients with advanced soft tissue sarcomas (STSs). METHODS. Patients with measurable metastatic STS received perifosine as first-, second-, or third-line treatment and underwent disease assessment every 8 weeks until disease progression, excessive toxicity, or patient refusal. RESULTS. Twenty-three patients received 66 cycles (1 cycle = 4 weeks) of perifosine. One partial response of 9 months duration was observed. The overall 3 and 6 month progression-free survival was 22% and 9%. NCI CTC (v2.0) Grade 1 to 2 gastrointestinal toxicity or fatigue were the most common (>50% of subjects) toxicities observed. The steady-state plasma perifosine levels (Css) were similar to prior experience (mean 6 ,g/mL). Patients with Css levels >6 ,g/mL appeared more likely to remain on study past 2 months than those with levels <6 ,g/mL. CONCLUSIONS. Despite not achieving the primary objective of ,40% 6-month progression-free survival rate, optimism remains for this agent in STS patients. Prolonged responses in heavily pretreated STS patients continue to be observed with perifosine treatment. Continued assessment of perifosine in STS appears warranted, with special attention to specific histologies or tumor characteristics that might identify a more sensitive population and achieving perifosine Css levels >6 ,g/mL. Cancer 2006 © 2006 American Cancer Society. [source] Randomized phase II study of carboplatin/gemcitabine versus vinorelbine/gemcitabine in patients with advanced nonsmall cell lung cancerCANCER, Issue 3 2006West Japan Thoracic Oncology Group (WJTOG) 010 Abstract BACKGROUND. Combined gemcitabine and carboplatin (GC) and combined gemcitabine and vinorelbine (GV) are active and well tolerated chemotherapeutic regimens for patients with advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The authors conducted a randomized Phase II study of GC versus GV to compare them in terms of efficacy and toxicity. METHODS. One hundred twenty-eight patients with Stage IIIB or IV NSCLC were randomized to receive either carboplatin at an area under the curve of 5 on Day 1 combined with gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 on Days 1 and 8 (n = 64 patients) or vinorelbine 25 mg/m2 combined with gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 on Days 1 and 8 (n = 64 patients) every 3 weeks. RESULTS. Response rates were 20.3% for the GC patients and 21.0% for the GV patients. In the GC arm, the median survival was 432 days, and the a 1-year survival rate was 57.6%; in the GV arm, the median survival was 385 days, and the 1-year survival rate was 53.3% in the GV arm. The median progression-free survival was 165 days in the GC arm and 137 days in the GV arm. Severe hematologic toxicity (Grade 4) was significantly more frequent in the GC arm (45.3% vs. 25.8% in the GV arm; P = .022). Most notably, the incidence of Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia was significantly higher in the GC arm (81.3% vs. 6.5% in the GV arm; P < .001). Conversely, severe nonhematologic toxicity (Grade 3 or 4) was more common in the GV arm (7.8% vs. 19.4% in the GC arm; P = .057). CONCLUSIONS. Although the GV and GC regimens had different toxicity profiles, there was no significant difference in survival among patients with NSCLC in the current study. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society. [source] An open-label, multinational, multicenter study of G17DT vaccination combined with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil in patients with untreated, advanced gastric or gastroesophageal cancer : The GC4 studyCANCER, Issue 9 2006Jaffer A. Ajani M.D. Abstract BACKGROUND Gastrin hormone is trophic to in vitro gastric cancer, and the antigastrin antibodies (AGAs) are antiproliferative and antimetastatic. Human gastric cancers overexpress gastrin genes and receptors that react to gastrin's trophic effects. Immunogen G17DT elicits a specific and high-affinity AGA. The authors evaluated G17DT vaccination given with cisplatin plus 5-fluorouracil for the treatment gastric adenocarcinoma. METHODS In this multicenter, Phase II study, patients received G17DT vaccination intramuscularly on Weeks 1, 5, 9 and 25 and cisplatin plus 5-fluorouracil every 28 days. Eligible patients had untreated, metastatic, or unresectable gastric or gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma with near-normal organ function. The primary endpoint of the study was the over response rate (ORR), and secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), safety, and the impact of successful vaccination on patient outcome. RESULTS In total, 103 patients were enrolled in 5 countries. Seven patients who were overdosed inadvertently with 5-fluorouracil (a major protocol violation) were removed from the analysis. The confirmed ORR was 30% in 79 patients who were evaluated for response. The median time-to-progression (TTP) was 5.4 months, and the median survival (MS) was 9.0 months (n = 96 patients). Sixty-five of 94 patients who were vaccinated (69%) had 2 consecutive AGA titers of ,1 units (successfully vaccinated patients or immune-responders). The TTP was longer in immune-responders than in immune-nonresponders (P = .0005). Similarly, the MS was longer in immune-responders than in immune-nonresponders (10.3 months vs. 3.8 months; P ,.0001). In a multivariate analysis, successful vaccination was an independent OS prognosticator (P = .0001). G17DT did not have an adverse effect on safety. CONCLUSIONS The results demonstrated that successful G17DT vaccination was correlated with longer TTP and MS. AGA response was an independent OS prognosticator. A Phase III evaluation of G17DT in gastric cancer is warranted. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society. [source] A Phase II study of gemcitabine and cisplatin in advanced biliary tract cancerCANCER, Issue 6 2006Seung 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] Phase II study of carboxyamidotriazole in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma refractory to immunotherapy,,§CANCER, Issue 11 2005E489, an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group study Abstract BACKGROUND The current study evaluated the response rate and 6-month time to disease progression of the antiangiogenesis agent carboxyamidotriazole (CAI) in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). METHODS Fifty-seven patients with histologically confirmed metastatic RCC that progressed after biologic therapy (interferon or interleukin-2) were enrolled. Four patients were ineligible. CAI was administered orally as a 28-day cycle. Response and time to disease progression were evaluated. RESULTS Fifteen of 53 eligible patients received > 5 cycles, but 13 patients eventually discontinued treatment because of progressive disease. The majority of toxicities were Grade 1. However, Grade 3/4 toxicities did occur, the majority of which were gastrointestinal in nature. One of 47 patients evaluable achieved a partial response (1.9%) lasting 172 days. Six of 53 patients were alive and disease progression free at 6 months from the start of treatment (11.3%). The median overall survival was 12.5 months. The survival periods in the low-risk, intermediate-risk, and poor-risk groups were 16.2 months, 20.9 months, and 5.8 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Patients in trials of second-line therapy appear to have a better prognosis than previously considered, in part because they are eligible for another clinical trial. CAI was found to have little to no effect on the natural history of progressive RCC. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society. [source] Phase II study of pemetrexed in combination with carboplatin in the first-line treatment of advanced nonsmall cell lung cancerCANCER, Issue 11 2005Ralph G. Zinner M.D. Abstract BACKGROUND The primary objectives of this study were to determine the efficacy and tolerability of a pemetrexed-carboplatin combination as first-line therapy in patients with advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer. METHODS Eligibility criteria included Zubrod performance status of 0 or 1, Stage IIIB (malignant effusion) or IV disease, and no prior chemotherapy. Treatment was pemetrexed 500 mg/m2 given intravenously and carboplatin area under the serum concentration,time curve = 6 given intravenously on Day 1 every 3 weeks for six cycles; patients could receive additional cycles at the discretion of the treating physician and patient. All patients received folic acid, vitamin B12, and dexamethasone prophylaxis. RESULTS Fifty patients (31 men and 19 women) were treated. The median age was 62 years. Ninety-six percent of patients had Stage IV disease, and 88% had a performance status of 1. The median number of cycles was 6; 15 patients received 8 or more cycles. There was Grade 3/4 neutropenia in 11 (22%) and 2 (4%) patients, respectively; Grade 3/4 thrombocytopenia in 1 (2%) and 0 patients, respectively. Three patients (6%) experienced Grade 3 nonhematologic side effects (diarrhea, neutropenic pneumonia, and fatigue). No patients had sensory neuropathy or alopecia >Grade 1. The partial response rate was 24%, median time to progression 5.4 months, 1-year survival 56.0%, and median survival 13.5 months. CONCLUSIONS This is an active, very well-tolerated regimen. Trials focused on how to integrate this doublet with novel agents are warranted. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society. [source] A multicenter, randomized, Phase II study of cisplatin, etoposide, and gemcitabine or cisplatin plus gemcitabine as first-line treatment in patients with poor-prognosis small cell lung carcinomaCANCER, Issue 4 2005Filippo De Marinis M.D. Abstract BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to evaluate the activity and toxicity of combined cisplatin, etoposide, and gemcitabine (PEG) and combined cisplatin plus gemcitabine (PG) in previously untreated patients with extensive-stage and poor-prognosis limited-stage small-cell lung carcinoma. METHODS One hundred forty patients (70 patients in two arms) were randomized to receive either cisplatin 70 mg/m2 on Day 1, etoposide 50 mg/m2 on Days 1,3, and gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 on Days 1 and 8 or cisplatin 70 mg/m2 on Day 1 plus gemcitabine 1250 mg/m2 on Days 1 and 8. Both regimens were recycled every 21 days. RESULTS In total, 626 cycles were delivered (303 cycles of PEG and 323 cycles of PG), with a median of 4 cycles per patient in both arms. The objective response rate was 63% (95% confidence interval [95%CI], 49,71%) for PEG and 57% (95%CI, 43,67%) for PG, with the suggestion of a higher complete response rate in the PEG arm (18.6% and 4.3%, respectively). A similar time to disease progression (6 months in the PEG arm and 7 months in the PG arm) and a similar median survival (9.5 months in the PEG arm and 10 months in the PG arm) were observed in both arms. The PEG regimen was associated with more severe hematologic toxicity in terms of neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, and a higher rate of treatment delays and dose reductions, whereas nonhematologic toxicities did not differ between the two arms. CONCLUSIONS According to the results of this Phase II randomized trial, the PEG regimen produced a higher complete response rate but more toxicity compared with the PG regimen in patients with extensive-stage or poor-prognosis, limited-stage small cell lung carcinoma. Cancer 2005. © 2005 American Cancer Society. [source] Phase II study of high-dose fish oil capsules for patients with cancer-related cachexiaCANCER, Issue 3 2005A Cancer, Leukemia Group B study No abstract is available for this article. [source] Multicenter Phase II study of estramustine phosphate plus weekly paclitaxel in patients with androgen-independent prostate carcinomaCANCER, Issue 4 2004David 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] Phase II study of pentostatin in advanced T-cell lymphoid malignanciesCANCER, Issue 2 2004Update of an M. D. Anderson Cancer Center series Abstract BACKGROUND The goal of the current study was to assess the toxicity, safety, and efficacy of pentostatin in patients with T-cell lymphoid malignancies. METHODS Patients were eligible if they had biopsy-proven T-cell lymphoma or leukemia and failure to respond to previous therapy or an expected complete response rate to conventional therapy of < 20%. Pentostatin was administered at an initial dose of 3.75 or 5.0 mg/m2 by intravenous bolus daily over a consecutive 3-day period every 3 weeks. RESULTS Forty-two of 44 patients enrolled in the study were evaluable. The median age of the patients was 62 years (range, 38,86 years). Patients received a median of 3 previous therapies (range, 0,10 previous therapies). Of these patients, 32 (76%) had mycosis fungoides/Sézary syndrome and 10 patients (24%) had other T-cell leukemias or lymphomas. The overall response rate was 54.8% (complete remission, 6 patients [14.3%]; partial remission, 17 patients [40.5%]). Durable responses were observed mainly in patients with Sézary syndrome or peripheral T-cell lymphoma. The median follow-up period for surviving patients was 20 months (range, 1,83+ months). The median duration of response was 4.3 months (range, 1,61 months). The most common toxicities were neutropenia, nausea, and CD4 suppression. A transient early ,flare' of disease was observed in some responders. CONCLUSIONS At these doses, pentostatin was reasonably well tolerated and is an effective drug for the treatment of T-cell lymphomas. Cancer 2004;100:342,9. © 2003 American Cancer Society. [source] |