A Phase II Study of Docetaxel and Oxaliplatin for Second-Line Treatment of Urothelial Carcinoma

Abstract

Background: Despite high response rates with front-line platinum-based therapies, 80% of patients with metastatic urothelial cancer progress. Multiple agents and couplets have been investigated, but no standard second-line regimen exists. We conducted a phase II study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of docetaxel and oxaliplatin in metastatic urothelial cancer patients who had received prior platinum therapy. Patients and Methods: Patients with metastatic urothelial cancer, who had disease progression after platinum therapy, were treated with docetaxel 75 mg/m² and oxaliplatin 85 mg/m² every 3 weeks until disease progression or intolerable toxicity. Results: Between November 2004 and September 2005, 11 patients were enrolled. All patients had low or intermediate Bajorin risk. The median number of cycles administered was 2 (range 2–8). One patient achieved near complete response. Three patients experienced disease stabilization, resulting in a disease-control rate of 36%. Median overall survival was 7 months. The most common toxicities were fatigue and anemia (50%). Conclusion: Second-line docetaxel and oxaliplatin in metastatic urothelial cancer is safe and tolerable but did not achieve an appreciable response rate.