Premium
A phase II study of gemcitabine in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma
Author(s) -
van Meerbeeck Jan P.,
Baas Paul,
Debruyne Channa,
Groen Harry J.,
Manegold Chris,
Ardizzoni Andrea,
Gridelli Cesare,
van Marck Eric A.,
Lentz MarieAnge,
Giaccone Giuseppe
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.052
H-Index - 304
eISSN - 1097-0142
pISSN - 0008-543X
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1097-0142(19990615)85:12<2577::aid-cncr13>3.0.co;2-s
Subject(s) - gemcitabine , medicine , mesothelioma , neutropenia , lung cancer , chemotherapy , oncology , discontinuation , cancer , toxicity , surgery , pathology
BACKGROUND Gemcitabine has shown activity in patients with less chemosensitive solid tumors. Phase II screening of novel drugs is an accepted method with which to investigate new therapies in malignant mesothelioma. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer‐Lung Cancer Cooperative Group has performed several sequential Phase II trials of new agents for the treatment of mesothelioma over the last 10 years. METHODS Twenty‐seven chemotherapy‐naive patients with histologically proven malignant mesothelioma were treated with gemcitabine as a 30‐minute intravenous administration of 1250 mg/m 2 on Days 1, 8, and 15 of a 28‐day cycle. Therapy continued for up to ten cycles unless disease progression or excessive toxicity mandated discontinuation. RESULTS With a median relative dose intensity of 96%, toxicity was mild and neutropenia of ≥ Grade 3 (according to National Cancer Institute criteria) occurred in 30% of patients, without episodes of febrile neutropenia. One case of hemolytic‐uremic syndrome, most likely related to gemcitabine use, was observed. Overall, 2 objective responses were observed (response rate of 7%; 95% confidence interval, 1‐24%). The median survival was 8 months. CONCLUSIONS At the prescribed dosage and schedule, single agent gemcitabine appears to have limited activity in chemotherapy‐naive patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma. Cancer 1999;85:2577–82. © 1999 American Cancer Society.