Phase II single institution study of sequential biochemotherapy (BCT) for patients (pts) with stage IV melanoma (M)

Abstract

8580 Background: The utility of BCT for M remains controversial. A prospective phase II study was conducted to assess the clinical benefit of BCT in patients with stage IV M. Methods: Between March 2005 and March 2006 11 pts (6 Male and 5 Female with a median age of 54 (range 36 - 82)) with metastatic M were treated with paclitaxel 225 mg/m2 via continuous 24 hour IV infusion every 3 wks for 4 cycles or maximum benefit followed by HD IL2, 1.33 mg/m2 every 8 hours for 5 days of wk1 and wk3 based on pts tolerance to a maximum of 12 doses per wk. 2 Male pts received IL2 followed by paclitaxel. Pts had a ECOG performance status of 0 - 2, with a median time of 60 months since diagnosis of disease (range 7 to 240 months). 11 pts (92%) had multiple metastatic sites (50% had lung mets, 58% had liver mets) and 4 pts (33%) had prior chemotherapy or immunotherapy. Results: Of the 13 assessable pts one achieved a PR after paclitaxel and CR after IL2 continuing at 20+ months. One had SD for 1 year after receiving HD IL2 and SD for 6 months while on paclitaxel independently, One had PR for 6 months on paclitaxel and one had MR with paclitaxel for 3 months. 9 pts (69%) had PD on paclitaxel and again on IL2, with a median survival from treatment of 7 months, 2 of these got no IL2 due to rapid PD. An overall response rate of 30% (1 CR on paclitaxel + IL2 , 1 PR on paclitaxel, 2 SD (including MR) on paclitaxel) was seen with a median survival from treatment of 15 months. Conclusions: In this study there may be prolonged survival among responders, which may be due to synergy of sequential BCT, or may reflect single agent activity of each drug. BCT should still be considered as an experimental therapy and further evaluated. No significant financial relationships to disclose.