Maximum Tolerated Dose Of Docetaxel Research Articles

Panitumumab in combination with modified docetaxel/cisplatin/5-fluorouracil as first-line treatment in gastric and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinomas: a multicenter phase II study by the Hellenic Oncology Research Group.

BackgroundA phase I/II study to define the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of biweekly docetaxel/cisplatin/5-fluorouracil (DCF) plus panitumumab (P), its efficacy, and tolerability as first-line treatment in advanced gastroesophageal cancer.MethodsIn phase I part, patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic adenocarcinomas of the stomach or the gastroesophageal junction received cisplatin (40 mg/m2 on day 1), leucovorin (400 mg/m2 on day 1), 5-fluorouracil (400 mg/m2 bolus on day 1), 5-fluorouracil (1000 mg/m2/daycontinuous infusion on days 1-2), and escalated doses of docetaxel (on day 1) plus P (6 mg/kg on day 1) every 2 weeks. In phase II part, patients were treated with DCF/P at the MTD and the primary endpoint was response rate. The expected response rate was set at >40%.ResultsThe MTD for docetaxel in the mDCF/P was defined at 40 mg/m2 and a total of 40 evaluable patients were enrolled in phase II study. One (2.5%) complete and 13 (32.5%) partial responses (overall response rate: 35%), as well as 16 (40%) disease stabilizations were documented. The median progression-free survival was 6.9 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.5-10.3) and the median overall survival was 11.3 months (95%CI 7.7-14.8). Grade 3-4 neutropenia occurred in 10 patients (25%) and febrile neutropenia in 2 (5%). Allergic reactions (grade 1-4) occurred in 9 patients (22.5%). There was 1 treatment-related death.ConclusionsmDCF/P combination was feasible, though associated with a poor toxicity profile. However, the study failed to meet its primary endpoint and was terminated prematurely due to futility.

Treatment of Peritoneal Dissemination in Stomach Cancer Patients With Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC): Rationale and Design of the PERISCOPE Study.

BackgroundPatients with gastric cancer and peritoneal carcinomatosis have a very poor prognosis; median survival is 3 to 4 months. Palliative systemic chemotherapy is currently the only treatment available in the Netherlands. Intraoperative hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has an established role in the treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis originating from colorectal cancer, appendiceal cancer, and pseudomyxoma peritonei; its role in gastric cancer is uncertain. Currently, there is no consensus on the choice of chemotherapeutic agents used in HIPEC for gastric cancer.ObjectiveThe main objectives of this study are (1) to investigate the safety, tolerability, and feasibility of gastrectomy combined with cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC after systemic chemotherapy, as a primary treatment option for patients with advanced gastric cancer with tumor positive peritoneal cytology and/or limited peritoneal carcinomatosis; and (2) to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of intraperitoneal docetaxel in combination with a fixed dose of intraperitoneal oxaliplatin.MethodsThe PERISCOPE study is a multicenter, open label, phase I-II dose-escalation study. The MTD of docetaxel will be studied using a 3+3 design. Patients with locally advanced (cT3-cT4) gastric adenocarcinoma are eligible for inclusion if the primary gastric tumor is considered resectable, tumor positive peritoneal cytology and/or limited peritoneal carcinomatosis is confirmed by diagnostic laparoscopy/ laparotomy, and prior systemic chemotherapy was without disease progression. At laparotomy, cytoreductive surgery (complete removal of all macroscopically visible tumor deposits) and a total or partial gastrectomy with a D2 lymph node dissection is performed. An open HIPEC technique is used with 460mg/m2 hyperthermic oxaliplatin for 30 minutes (41°C to 42°C) followed by normothermic docetaxel for 90 minutes (37°C) in a dose that will be escalated per 3 patients (0, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150 mg/m2). The primary endpoint is treatment related toxicity.ResultsPatient accrual is ongoing and the first results are expected in 2017.ConclusionsThe PERISCOPE study will determine the safety, tolerability, and feasibility of gastrectomy combined with cytoreduction and HIPEC using oxaliplatin in combination with docetaxel after systemic chemotherapy as primary treatment option for gastric cancer patients with tumor positive peritoneal cytology and/or limited peritoneal carcinomatosis. This study will provide pharmacokinetic data on the intraperitoneal administration of oxaliplatin and docetaxel, including the MTD of intraperitoneal-administered docetaxel. These data are a prerequisite for the safe conduct of future HIPEC studies in patients with gastric cancer.Trial RegistrationNetherlands Trial Registration (NTR): NTR4250; http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/admin/ rctview.asp?TC=4250 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6rWJONgkt)

Phase I/II trial of a biweekly combination of S-1 plus docetaxel in patients with previously treated non-small cell lung cancer (KRSG-0601)

Background:Combination of S-1, an oral fluorouracil derivative, plus docetaxel against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) showed promising efficacy but clinically problematic emesis. A phase I/II study utilising a new schedule for this combination was conducted.Methods:A biweekly regimen of docetaxel on day 1 with oral S-1 on days 1–7 was administered to previously treated NSCLC patients. Doses of docetaxel/S-1 were escalated to 30/80, 35/80, and 40/80 mg m−2, respectively, and its efficacy was investigated at the recommended dose below maximum tolerated dose (MTD).Results:In phase I study employing 13 patients, dose-limiting toxicities were febrile neutropenia and treatment delay, with the respective MTDs for docetaxel 40 mg m−2/S-1 80 mg m−2. In the phase II study, 34 patients were treated with docetaxel 35 mg m−2/S-1 80 mg m−2 for a median cycle of 6. The response and disease control rates were 34.3% (95% confidence interval (CI), 18.6–50.0%) and 62.9% (95% CI, 46.8–72.9%), respectively. Median progression-free survival was 150.5 days. Haematologic grade 4 toxicities were observed in neutropenia (11.8%) and thrombocytopenia (2.9%). Regarding non-haematologic toxicities, including emesis, there were no grade 3/4 side effects.Conclusion:Combination of 1-week administration of S-1 with biweekly docetaxel is safe and active for NSCLC.

Phase I study of weekly docetaxel and cisplatin arterial infusion for recurrent head and neck cancer

We planned a phase I study of weekly arterial infusion of docetaxel and cisplatin via a superficial temporal artery for recurrent head and neck cancer to determine the optimal dose. The dose of cisplatin was fixed and the dose of docetaxel was escalated from 8 mg/m(2) , with an increase of 2 mg/m(2) per step, to identify the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). In total, 4 courses of weekly chemotherapy were administered. Twelve patients were recruited to this trial. The MTD of docetaxel was 14 mg/m(2) . At this dose level, dose-limiting toxicity was observed in 2 of 3 patients. One patient experienced grade 3 leukopenia, while the other experienced grade 3 leukopenia. Myelosuppression was the dose-limiting toxicity for this regimen. The recommended dose for weekly arterial infusion of docetaxel was identified as 12 mg/m(2) combined with weekly cisplatin at 40 mg/m(2) , with 4 courses of each.

Phase I Study to Determine MTD of Docetaxel and Cisplatin with Concurrent Radiation Therapy for Stage III Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

To evaluate the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of docetaxel (DCT) and cisplatin (DDP) concurrently with three dimensional (3D) conformal radiotherapy or IMRT for patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (stage IIIa and IIIb) after 2-4 cycles of induction chemotherapy. Fourteen patients with histological/cytological proven stage III non-small-cell lung cancer were eligible. 3D or IMRT radiotherapy (60-70Gy in 30-35 fractions, 6-7weeks, 2 Gy/fraction) was delivered concurrently with cisplatin and docetaxel, 2 cycles during concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT). The level I dosage was composed of 56 mg/m(2) DCT, on day 1 and 28mg/m(2) DDP, on day 1 and day 2. The level II was composed of 60 mg/m(2) DCT, on day 1 and 30 mg/ m(2) DDP, on day 1 and day 2. The level III was composed of 64 mg/m(2) DCT, on day 1 and 32 mg/ m(2) DDP, on day 1 and day 2. Fourteen patients were allocated and finished concurrent chemoradiotherapy. The dose-limiting neutropenia was at the dose Level III (64 mg/m(2)) and occurred in 2 of 5 patients. No dose limiting non-hematologic or hematologic toxicity occurred in the other patients. Patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer may tolerate 60mg/m(2) docetaxel and 60mg/m(2) cisplatin for 2 cycles during concurrent radiotherapy after 2-3 cycles of induction chemotherapy.

A Phase I Trial of Bexarotene in Combination With Docetaxel in Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors

Background: The purpose of this study was to identify dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) and maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of docetaxel with a fixed-dose of bexarotene. Patients and Methods: This was a phase I, single-center and open-label trial of dose-escalating docetaxel with a fixed-dose oral bexarotene. Successive cohorts of 3 patients (pts), with confirmed solid tumors refractory to standard therapy or for whom no standard therapy existed, received fixed-dose oral bexarotene (400 mg/m 2 daily) with escalating doses of docetaxel weekly (25, 30, or 35 mg/m 2) for 3 weeks on a 4-week cycle. Cohorts were expanded to 6 pts if a DLT was noted. The MTD was determined based on the occurrence of DLT in at least 2 of 6 pts during the first cycle. Results: Nineteen pts were enrolled. Seven pts were treated at 25 mg/m 2, 6 at 30 mg/m 2, and 6 at 35 mg/m 2 of docetaxel. The MTD for docetaxel was 30 mg/m 2 with 400 mg/m 2 of daily bexarotene. Hypothyroidism, hypertriglyceridemia, and fatigue were common toxicities. Three pts developed pulmonary toxicity (possible radiation recall pneumonitis [n = 2] and pulmonary hypertension because of tumor emboli [n = 1]). Two pts withdrew consent because of Grade 3 fatigue. Ten of 19 pts were noted to have stable disease and received more than 2 cycles of therapy. Of the 10 pts with stable disease, 5 had non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and of those 5 pts, 1 had a partial response that persisted for eight cycles. Conclusion: The MTD of docetaxel was 30mg/m 2 in combination with daily bexarotene at 400mg/m 2. Careful monitoring may be indicated in pts with previously irradiated lung tumors.

A Phase I Study of Bi-weekly Docetaxel for Recurrent or Advanced Gastric Cancer Patients Whose Disease Progressed by Prior Chemotherapy

Although docetaxel is active against gastric cancer, Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia occurs in the majority of patients in Japan when administered at 60 mg/m(2) every 3 weeks. To determine a more convenient and tolerable schedule than the tri-weekly schedule, we conducted a dose-escalation study of bi-weekly docetaxel. In this study, we investigated the maximum-tolerated dose and recommended dose. Patients with advanced gastric cancer who had received prior chemotherapy were enrolled between April 2004 and March 2007. This study was designed to evaluate the escalated dose of docetaxel starting at 35 mg/m(2) (Level 1) given every 2 weeks. The dose was escalated in a stepwise fashion to 40 mg/m(2) (Level 2), 45 mg/m(2) (Level 3) and 50 mg/m(2) (Level 4). Fifteen patients completed at least two cycles of the therapy. Three episodes of Grade 3 neutropenia occurred in all patients and Grade 4 neutropenia was observed at Level 4 in six patients. Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia and anemia were not observed. Grade 3 aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase elevation (n= 1) and Grade 3 stomatitis (n = 1) were noted at Level 4. There was no other Grade 3 or 4 non-hematologic toxicity. The definition of dose-limiting toxicities of this docetaxel schedule at Level 4 are Grade 4 neutropenia, Grade 3 aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase elevation and Grade 3 stomatitis. The maximum-tolerated dose of docetaxel when administrated following the bi-weekly schedule was 50 mg/m(2) and the recommended dose was 45 mg/m(2). Bi-weekly administration of docetaxel may provide a better tolerated and efficacious use in gastric cancer.

Phase I/II docetaxel plus concurrent hyperfractionated radiotherapy in locally advanced unresectable head and neck cancer (TAX.ES1.102 study)

Concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy is recommended for the treatment of locally advanced unresectable head and neck (H&N) cancer. The primary purpose of the Phase I part of the study was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) and recommended dose (RD) of docetaxel with hyperfractionation radiotherapy. The primary objective of the Phase II part was to determine the response rate to the RD of treatment and, secondarily, to assess the toxicity of the schedule, time to progression, duration of response and overall survival (OS). Patients (n=9 in Phase I; n=19 in Phase II) had unresectable H&N cancer. The starting docetaxel dose was 20 mg/m(2) plus hyperfractionated radiotherapy. Ramping of docetaxel was 5 mg/m(2) if MTD was not reached. MTD of docetaxel was 20 mg/m(2). Limiting toxicities were grade 4 pneumonia and grade 4 mucositis. The RD was 15 mg/m(2). Phase II initial response was 76% (CR=18%; PR=9%); updated response was 89% (CR=59%; PR=29%). The median progression-free survival was 7.8 months (95%CI: 0-22.3) and the median OS was 15.1 months (95%CI: 0-35.9). Grade 3-4 toxicities included mucositis (91%), pneumonia (27%) and fatigue (27%). There were 5 toxic deaths (2 from intestinal perforation, 3 from pneumonia). Weekly docetaxel+hyperfractionation radiotherapy is active but with high toxicity rates and, hence, this treatment regimen would be difficult to justify.

A Dose Escalation Trial of Biweekly Docetaxel and Gemcitabine with Filgrastim or Pegfilgrastim for the Treatment of Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors

Background/Aims: A single-institution phase I trial to determine the feasibility of using filgrastim or pegfilgrastim to increase the dose intensity of biweekly docetaxel and gemcitabine. Methods: Patients with metastatic solid tumors received gemcitabine 3,000 mg/m² and increasing doses of docetaxel (55 mg/m² in 10 mg/m² increments) every 14 days with filgrastim or pegfilgrastim. Results: 35 patients enrolled, median 2 prior therapies, 158 cycles of therapy. There was 1 dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) (sepsis) at docetaxel 55 mg/m², 1 DLT (sepsis/diarrhea) at docetaxel 65 mg/m², and no DLT at docetaxel 75 mg/m². At docetaxel 85 mg/m², 2/4 patients had DLT (fatigue/dyspnea, diarrhea). The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of docetaxel was 75 mg/m². 1/12 patients treated at MTD experienced DLT (sepsis/dyspnea). The initial 25 patients received filgrastim (average 7 doses/cycle), the last 10 received pegfilgrastim. Conclusions: The MTD for docetaxel was 75 mg/m² with gemcitabine 3,000 mg/m² given every 14 days with filgrastim or pegfilgrastim. This regimen was well tolerated with signs of clinical activity. We found no significant differences in toxicities or effectiveness between daily filgrastim and pegfilgrastim given 13 days before the next chemotherapy. The use of granulocyte growth factors allowed increased dose intensity of docetaxel and gemcitabine. This regimen warrants further study in chemotherapy-naïve patients and patients with earlier stages.

A combination phase I study of biweekly docetaxel and 5’-DFUR in patients with unresectable or recurrent gastric cancer

14115 Background: Docetaxel (DOC) and 5’-DFUR (an intermetamolite of capecitabine) have single-agent activity in gastric cancer and have distinct mechanisms of action and no overlap of key toxicities. Synergistic interaction between DOC and 5’-DFUR is mediated by taxane-induced up-regulation of thymidine phosphorylase. The objectives of this study were to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), the dose limiting toxicity (DLT) and the recommended dose (RD) of the combination therapy of biweekly DOC and 5’-DFUR. The DLT was set in low grade to treat the patients in the outpatient clinic. Methods: Eligibility criteria included patients with histologically proven unresectable or recurrent gastric cancer, no requirement of prior chemotherapy, a performance status of 0–2, adequate organ function and written informed consent. DOC was administered by 1-hour intravenous infusion (level 1, 2, 3, 4: 30, 35, 40, 45 mg/m2) biweekly for 4 weeks. 5’-DFUR was administered orally at a fixed dose of 600mg/body everyday. Toxicity and efficacy were evaluated during the 2 cycles for 8 weeks. Three or 6 patients were enrolled at each dose level. Administration of DOC was skipped in the event of grade 2 hematologic toxicity. DLT was defined as grade 3 hematologic toxicity, grade 2 non-hematologic toxicity. The MTD was defined as the dose level at which at least two of three patients or three of six patients presented with DLT. Results: Twelve patients with a median age of 58 years (range, 29 to 75) were enrolled in this study. Five patients have received prior chemotherapy. Eight patients were unresectable and 4 had recurrent tumors. At level 1 (n=3), 2 (n=3), 3 (n=3), no patients developed DLT. Two patients developed DLT at level 4 (n=3). All DLT was neutropenia. Only 1 developed grade 4 neutropenia at level 4. Non-hematological toxicity was uncommon. Level 4 was determined as the MTD. Of 8 evaluable patients, responses included 4 PR, 3 SD and 1 PD for an overall response rate of 50%. Conclusions: The MTD of DOC in this combination is 45 mg/m2 and the RD is 40 mg/m2. This regimen is well-tolerated with high response rate in outpatient setting. A phase II study is necessary to evaluate the response of this regimen. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Phase I/II study of docetaxel and S-1 in patients with advanced gastric cancer

The aims of this phase I/II study of docetaxel and S-1 were to determine the dose-limiting toxicity (DLT), maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), and recommended dose (RD) in the phase I part and to explore the tumour response, survival and safety in the phase II part. Patients with histologically- or cytologically confirmed unresectable or recurrent gastric cancer were eligible. Treatment consisted of intravenous docetaxel on day 1 (starting dose 50 mg m−2) and oral S-1 at a fixed dose of 40 mg m−2 twice daily on days 1–14, every 4 weeks up to six cycles. Nine patients took part in the phase I portion of the study. The MTD of docetaxel was determined to be 50 mg m−2, with the DLTs of grade 3 infection associated with grade 3 neutropenia and grade 4 neutropenia during S-1 administration. The RD of docetaxel was 40 mg m−2 in combination with S-1 40 mg m−2 b.i.d. The efficacy and safety of this regimen was therefore assessed in 46 patients with at least one measurable lesion. The overall response rate and estimated median overall survival were 46% (95% CI, 31–61%) and 14.0 months (8.3–17.3 months), respectively. The most common grade 3/4 toxicity was neutropenia (67% of patients), which was predictable and manageable. This regimen showed promising activity with moderate toxicities in advanced gastric cancer.

Platelet-derived growth factor receptor inhibitor imatinib mesylate and docetaxel: A modular phase I trial in androgen-independent prostate cancer: Mathew P, Thall PF, Jones D, Perez C, Bucana C, Troncoso P, Kim SJ, Fidler IJ, Logothetis C., Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, Unit 427, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX. J Clin Oncol 2004;22:3323–9

Purpose To study the platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) inhibitor imatinib mesylate in androgen-independent prostate cancer (AIPC), alone and in combination with docetaxel, we designed a modular phase I trial. Our goals were to [1] evaluate the toxicity and maximum-tolerated dose of docetaxel with imatinib, and [2] evaluate the decline of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) induced by imatinib alone, and imatinib and docetaxel. Patients and methods Twenty-eight men with AIPC and bone metastases were enrolled to receive imatinib 600 mg daily lead-in for 30 days, then imatinib 600 mg daily and one of six possible doses of docetaxel weekly for 4 weeks every 6 weeks. Results During the imatinib lead-in module, one dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) event was observed, while two (7%) of 28 had PSA decline (both 2 , in three of four patients at docetaxel 45 mg/m 2 , and in five of six patients at docetaxel 35 mg/m 2 . DLTs (n = 40 total events) were principally fatigue (35%) and nausea (20%). Eight (38%) of 21 had PSA decline greater than 50%, and six (29%) of 21 had PSA decline less than 50%. Serial PSA declines beyond 18 months were observed. PDGFR-expressing tumor declined on serial bone marrow biopsies with combination therapy alone. Conclusion With imatinib 600 mg daily, the maximum-tolerated dose of docetaxel was determined to be 30 mg/m 2 weekly for 4 weeks every 6 weeks. Long-term responses were observed. The role of imatinib in modulating outcomes to docetaxel in AIPC is being tested in a randomized phase II trial.

Phase I Dose Escalation Trial of Weekly Docetaxel Plus Irinotecan in Patients with Advanced Cancer

Background. Docetaxel and irinotecan have additive or synergistic activity in vitro and in vivo as well as differing toxicities and unique mechanisms of action. We conducted a phase I trial to determine the maximum-tolerated dose of docetaxel and irinotecan given on a weekly schedule. Methods. Eligible patients had advanced, incurable, solid tumors. Docetaxel was administered as a 1-hour infusion and escalated over four dose levels (25, 30, 35, and 40 mg/m2) followed by irinotecan administered over 30 minutes at a fixed dose of 50 mg/m2. Treatment was administered weekly for four weeks followed by two weeks of rest. To improve tolerability, the schedule was modified to weekly administration for two weeks with one week of rest, and irinotecan was escalated over 3 dose levels (55, 60, and 65 mg/m2) with docetaxel fixed at 35 mg/m2. Results. Forty-four patients were treated and the most common dose-limiting toxicity was diarrhea observed in 11% of patients. Severe neutropenia was rare (grade 4: 2%, grade 3: 23%). Other nonhematologic toxicities included nausea/vomiting, dehydration and fatigue. Partial responses occurred in two patients with pancreatic cancer, and one patient each with non-small cell lung and esophageal cancer. Conclusions. Weekly docetaxel and irinotecan is a promising non-cisplatin doublet with preliminary evidence of activity in advanced solid tumors. Diarrhea is the predominant dose-limiting toxicity but unlike the every 3 weeks schedule myelosuppression is modest. The recommended phase II doses are docetaxel 35 mg/m2 and irinotecan 60 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8 of a 21-day schedule. Phase II trials of this regimen are ongoing or planned in lung, head and neck, stomach, esophageal, and pancreatic cancers.

A Phase I Study of Weekly Docetaxel, 24-Hour Infusion of High-Dose Fluorouracil/Leucovorin and Cisplatin in Patients with Advanced Gastric Cancer

Objectives: To determine the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) and dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) of both docetaxel and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) when administered weekly in a regimen of docetaxel, 5-FU/leucovorin and cisplatin (DFLP) for 2 consecutive weeks every 3 weeks. Patients and Methods: A total of 31 patients with chemo-naive, advanced adenocarcinoma of the stomach were enrolled in the study. Cisplatin and leucovorin dosages were fixed throughout the study at 30 and 300 mg/m², respectively. 5-FU dosage was fixed at 1,600 mg/m² while docetaxel was evaluated at weekly 1-hour infusion dosages of 30, 40 and 50 mg/m² to determine the MTD. Cisplatin, 5-FU and leucovorin were administered together as a 24-hour continuous infusion following docetaxel. Weekly 5-FU dosages of 1,600, 2,000 and 2,400 mg/m² were then evaluated after setting the docetaxel dosage at the MTD. Results: A total of 95 chemotherapy cycles were administered, with a median of three cycles per patient. The MTD of docetaxel was defined at 40 mg/m². At a docetaxel dosage of 50 mg/m² per week, the dose-limiting events of grade 4 febrile neutropenia and grade 3 hypomagnesemia occurred. With fixation of docetaxel to 40 mg/m², the DLT for 5-FU was found at 2,400 mg/m² per week. This incurred grade 4 neutropenia such that the MTD of 5-FU was defined at 2,000 mg/m². Grade 3/4 neutropenia occurred in 14 patients (45%), with 2 patients developing febrile neutropenia. Grade 2 and 3 hypomagnesemia and hypokalemia occurred in 9 (41%) and 4 (18%) patients, respectively, of the first 22 patients treated with a 24-hour infusion of cisplatin and 5-FU/leucovorin immediately following docetaxel. Following a change in the cisplatin administration schedule to a 3-hour infusion after 5-FU/leucovorin infusion, no such complications were observed in 9 subsequently treated patients. Grade 2 diarrhea was recorded in 11 patients (35%). Grade 2/3 asthenia occurred in 9 patients (30%), which resolved after correction of electrolyte disorders. Twenty-six patients were assessable for response analysis. There were 2 (7.8%) complete and 14 (53.8%) partial responses, with the overall response rate being 61.5% (95% confidence interval, 41.5–81.6%). Responses were observed at all dose levels. Conclusion: Two consecutive weeks of DFLP infusions every 3 weeks appear to be an active regimen with a tolerable toxicity profile in advanced gastric cancer. For further phase II studies, the recommended dose for this combination is 40 mg/m² of docetaxel and 2,000 mg/m² of 5-FU per week.

Phase I trial of outpatient weekly docetaxel, carboplatin and concurrent thoracic radiation therapy for stage III unresectable non-small-cell lung cancer: a Vanderbilt cancer center affiliate network (VCCAN) trial

Purpose: Docetaxel, an active agent for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), has demonstrated activity as a radiosensitizer in numerous pre-clinical studies. We conducted a phase I trial to determine the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) and dose-limiting toxicities (DLT) of weekly Docetaxel, Carboplatin with concurrent thoracic radiation therapy (TRT) in patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC. Patients and methods: In this phase I clinical trial, Docetaxel was administered weekly as a 1-h intravenous infusion for 6 weeks with a starting dose of 20 mg/m 2. Docetaxel doses were escalated by 10 mg/m 2 increments in successive cohorts of three patients. DLT was defined as grade ≥3 nonhematologic and hematologic toxicity according to RTOG toxicity criteria. Once the DLT of Docetaxel alone was reached, weekly Carboplatin (AUC 2) was added at a DLT-2 dose of Docetaxel (two dose levels below that of dose limiting toxicity). Docetaxel doses were again escalated at 10 mg/m 2 increments in successive cohorts of three new patients to define further DLT and MTD of Docetaxel/Carboplatin with TRT. TRT was administered to the primary tumor and regional lymph nodes (40 Gy) followed by a boost to the tumor (20 Gy). Results: Fifteen patients were entered onto this study with Docetaxel alone through three dose escalations (from 20 to 40 mg/m 2 weekly). The DLT of weekly Docetaxel/TRT was esophagitis and the MTD was 30 mg/m 2 per week for 6 weeks. Nine more patients were added with the Docetaxel/Carboplatin/TRT regimen. The DLT of weekly Docetaxel/Carboplatin with TRT was esophagitis and the MTD of Docetaxel was 20 mg/m 2 per week with weekly Carboplatin (AUC 2). There were 2 complete responses and 13 partial responses in 25 evaluable patients (RR 60%). Conclusions: This combination regimen has activity with manageable toxicity in patients with stage III NSCLC. A phase II study is planned to define activity.

Identification of the highest dose of docetaxel associable with active doses of epirubicin. Results from a dose-finding study in advanced breast cancer patients

To determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and the dose limiting toxicity (DLT) of docetaxel in combination with fixed doses of epirubicin. Women with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer were given docetaxel, 60 mg/m2 in escalated doses by steps of 10 mg/m2, in association with two fixed doses of epirubicin (90 mg/m2, and 75 mg/m2). Since neutropenia was foreseen to be the most likely DLT, a third group with prophylactic G-CSF support was planned to define the MTD of docetaxel with 90 mg/m2 of epirubicin. Selected patients underwent pharmacokinetic evaluation of docetaxel. Fifty-eight patients entered the study. At the first step (90 mg/m2 of epirubicin) the MTD was obtained at 60 mg/m2 of docetaxel. At the second step (75 mg/m2 of epirubicin) the MTD of docetaxel was 80 mg/m2. At the third step (epirubicin 90 mg/m2) G-CSF allowed a safe escalation of docetaxel up to 90 mg/m2. Neutropenia was the most common hematological adverse event. Without G-CSF, grade 4 neutropenia occurred in 69% of cycles, of which 11% was complicated by fever. In G-CSF group, grade 4 neutropenia and neutropenic fever occurred in 31% and 3%, respectively. Most frequent non-hematological adverse effects were asthenia (45%), nausea (39%) and mucositis (36%). No patient developed congestive heart failure. Two toxic deaths occurred. Overall response rate was 73% in 42 out of 58 patients, with no apparent epirubicin dose-related effect. No statistically significant effect of the two doses of epirubicin was observed in docetaxel pharmacokinetics. On the basis of the toxicity profile, the docetaxel pharmacokinetics and the response rate observed, epirubicin 75 mg/m2 combined with docetaxel 80 mg/m2 can be recommended for further studies.