Circadian chemotherapy for gynecological and genitourinary cancers

The circadian timing of surgery, anticancer drugs, radiation therapy, and biologic agents can result in improved toxicity profiles, tumor control, and host survival. Optimally timed cancer chemotherapy with doxorubicin or pirarubicin (06:00h) and cisplatin (18:00h) enhanced the control of advanced ovarian cancer while minimizing side effects, and increased the response rate in metastatic endometrial cancer. Therapy of metastatic bladder cancer with doxorubicin–cisplatin was made more tolerable by this same circadian approach resulting in a 57% objective response rate. This optimally timed therapy is also effective in the adjuvant setting, decreasing the expected frequency of metastasis from locally advanced bladder cancer. Circadian fluorodeoxyuridine (FUDR) continuous infusion (70% of the daily dose given between 15:00h and 21:00h) has been shown effective for metastatic renal cell carcinoma resulting in 29% objective response and stable disease of more than 1 yr duration in the majority of patients. Toxicity is reduced markedly when FUDR infusion is modulated to circadian rhythms. In a multicenter trial in patients with metastatic renal cell cancer, patients were randomized to a flat or a circadian-modified FUDR infusion. This study confirmed a significant difference in toxicity and dose intensity, favoring the circadian-modified group. Hormone refractory metastatic prostate cancer has been treated with circadian-timed FUDR chemotherapy; however, without objective response. Biological agents such as interferon-α and IL-2 have shown low but effective disease control in metastatic renal cell cancer, however, with much toxicity. Each of these cytokines shows circadian stage dependent toxicity and efficacy in model systems. In summary, the timing of anthracycline, platinum, and fluoropyrimidine-based drug therapies during the 24h is relevant to the toxic–therapeutic ratio of these agents in the treatment of gynecologic and genitourinary cancers.     

Experience with the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer in Hungary

In the first phase of this study 34 patients with advanced pancreatic cancer have been treated either with gemcitabine/cisplatin or gemcitabine/5-fluorouracil (5FU)/leucovorin combination. (Gemzar: 900 mg/m2, Cisplatin: 20 mg/m2, 5-FU: 750 mg/m2). Treatments were continued till tumor progression. There was no difference observed between the two protocols in the clinical response rates (PR=65%). On the other hand, a significant difference was found between the two protocols regarding the side effects. In the case of gemcitabine/5-FU neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and anaemia (as well as nausea and vomiting) were much less frequent compared to gemcitabine/cisplatin combination. Based on these data the efficacy of gemcitabine/5-FU combination was evaluated in 99 stage III, T1-4, N1 and stage IV, T1-4, N0-1, M1 pancreatic cancer patients throughout 364 treatment cycles. OR was achieved in 10% while stable disease in 52% of the cases. The average survival period was 8.33 months while the time to progression was 5.75 months. Based on these data we recommend gemcitabine/5-FU/leucovorin combination for the treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer.     

Circadian chemotherapy for gynecological and genitourinary cancers

The circadian timing of surgery, anticancer drugs, radiation therapy, and biologic agents can result in improved toxicity profiles, tumor control, and host survival. Optimally timed cancer chemotherapy with doxorubicin or pirarubicin (06:00h) and cisplatin (18:00h) enhanced the control of advanced ovarian cancer while minimizing side effects, and increased the response rate in metastatic endometrial cancer. Therapy of metastatic bladder cancer with doxorubicin-cisplatin was made more tolerable by this same circadian approach resulting in a 57% objective response rate. This optimally timed therapy is also effective in the adjuvant setting, decreasing the expected frequency of metastasis from locally advanced bladder cancer. Circadian fluorodeoxyuridine (FUDR) continuous infusion (70% of the daily dose given between 15:00h and 21:00h) has been shown effective for metastatic renal cell carcinoma resulting in 29% objective response and stable disease of more than 1 yr duration in the majority of patients. Toxicity is reduced markedly when FUDR infusion is modulated to circadian rhythms. In a multicenter trial in patients with metastatic renal cell cancer, patients were randomized to a flat or a circadian-modified FUDR infusion. This study confirmed a significant difference in toxicity and dose intensity, favoring the circadian-modified group. Hormone refractory metastatic prostate cancer has been treated with circadian-timed FUDR chemotherapy; however, without objective response. Biological agents such as interferon-alpha and IL-2 have shown low but effective disease control in metastatic renal cell cancer, however, with much toxicity. Each of these cytokines shows circadian stage dependent toxicity and efficacy in model systems. In summary, the timing of anthracycline, platinum, and fluoropyrimidine-based drug therapies during the 24h is relevant to the toxic therapeutic ratio of these agents in the treatment of gynecologic and genitourinary cancers.     

Downregulation of HIPK2 Increases Resistance of Bladder Cancer Cell to Cisplatin by Regulating Wip1

Cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy regimen is a reasonable alternative to cystectomy in advanced/metastatic bladder cancer, but acquisition of cisplatin resistance is common in patients with bladder cancer. Previous studies showed that loss of homeodomain-interacting protein kinase-2 (HIPK2) contributes to cell proliferation and tumorigenesis. However, the role of HIPK2 in regulating chemoresistance of cancer cell is not fully understood. In the present study, we found that HIPK2 mRNA and protein levels are significantly decreased in cisplatin-resistant bladder cancer cell in vivo and in vitro. Downregulation of HIPK2 increases the cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner during cisplatin treatment, whereas overexpression of HIPK2 reduces the cell viability. HIPK2 overexpression partially overcomes cisplatin resistance in RT4-CisR cell. Furthermore, we showed that Wip1 (wild-type p53-induced phosphatase 1) expression is upregulated in RT4-CisR cell compared with RT4 cell, and HIPK2 negatively regulates Wip1 expression in bladder cancer cell. HIPK2 and Wip1 expression is also negatively correlated after cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy in vivo. Finally, we demonstrated that overexpression of HIPK2 sensitizes chemoresistant bladder cancer cell to cisplatin by regulating Wip1 expression.

Conclusions

These data suggest that HIPK2/Wip1 signaling represents a novel pathway regulating chemoresistance, thus offering a new target for chemotherapy of bladder cancer.     

顺铂联合多西他赛、培美曲塞及吉西他滨治疗晚期肺腺癌的临床效果比较

目的:比较吉西他滨、培美曲塞、多西他赛联合顺铂三种化疗方案治疗晚期肺腺癌患者的近期疗效与安全性。方法:选择2014年7月至2015年8月在本院肿瘤科住院的经病理或细胞学证实为ⅢB~Ⅳ期肺腺癌的患者共140例,随机分为三组,分别采用多西他赛+顺铂(多西他赛组,n=38)、培美曲塞+顺铂(培美曲塞组,n=56)、吉西他滨+顺铂(吉西他滨组,n=46)三种化疗方案。对三组患者的近期疗效和Ⅲ、Ⅳ度毒性反应的发生情况进行比较。结果:吉西他滨组无完全缓解(CR)患者,部分缓解(PR)患者20例,稳定(SD)患者16例,进展(PD)患者10例,总有效率(RR)43.5%,疾病控制率(DCR)为78.3%;多西他赛组无CR患者,PR患者16例,SD患者12例,PD患者10例,RR42.1%,DCR73.7%;培美曲塞组无CR患者,PR患者28例,SD患者20例,PD患者8例,RR50.0%,DCR为85.7%。三组患者RR及DCR相比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。三组化疗方案的主要毒副反应为骨髓抑制,无Ⅲ~Ⅳ度皮疹和末梢神经炎等毒性反应发生。其中,培美曲塞组的严重骨髓抑制即Ⅲ度+Ⅳ度白细胞减少、中性粒细胞减少及血小板减少的发生率明显低于吉西他滨组和多西他赛组(P0.05)。三组化疗方案Ⅲ度+Ⅳ度血红蛋白下降、胃肠道反应、脱发、肝肾功能异常等毒性反应的发生率相比较差异均无显著性(P0.05)。结论:培美曲赛、多西他赛、吉西他滨联合顺铂方案治疗晚期肺腺癌的疗效相当,但培美曲塞组安全性更高。     

Radiosensitization by gemcitabine fixed-dose-rate infusion versus bolus injection in a pancreatic cancer model

It has recently been shown that fixed-dose-rate (gemcitabine) infusion may be superior to bolus gemcitabine in the treatment of metastatic pancreas cancer. We wished to compare the radiosensitizing effects of fixed-dose-rate gemcitabine infusion to standard bolus injection. We measured weight loss and mouse intestinal crypt survival to determine equally toxic concentrations of gemcitabine administered through a 3-hour fixed-dose-rate infusion versus bolus injection in combination with fractionated radiation. To measure the effect of fixed-dose-rate gemcitabine infusion or bolus injection on radiosensitization, we treated mice bearing Panc-1 xenografts with equally toxic concentrations of gemcitabine (100 mg/kg fixed-dose-rate infusion or 500 mg/kg bolus injection) and fractionated radiation and monitored tumor growth. We found that 100 mg/kg gemcitabine through fixed-dose-rate infusion produced the same weight loss and intestinal crypt toxicity as the 500 mg/kg bolus injection. In nude mice bearing Panc-1 xenografts, fixed-dose-rate gemcitabine infusion produced greater radiosensitization than bolus injection with tumor doubling times of 44 +/- 5 versus 29 +/- 3 days, respectively (*P < .05). Fixed-dose-rate gemcitabine infusion produced enhanced radiosensitization without additional normal tissue toxicity compared to bolus gemcitabine injection. These data support an ongoing clinical trial using fixed-dose-rate gemcitabine infusion combined with conformal radiation in the treatment of locally advanced pancreatic cancer.     

Drug-Resistant Urothelial Cancer Cell Lines Display Diverse Sensitivity Profiles to Potential Second-Line Therapeutics

Combination chemotherapy with gemcitabine and cisplatin in patients with metastatic urothelial cancer of the bladder frequently results in the development of acquired drug resistance. Availability of cell culture models with acquired resistance could help to identify candidate treatments for an efficient second-line therapy. Six cisplatin- and six gemcitabine-resistant cell lines were established. Cell viability assays were performed to evaluate the sensitivity to 16 different chemotherapeutic substances. The activity of the drug transporter ATP-binding cassette transporter, subfamily B, member 1 (ABCB1, a critical mediator of multidrug resistance in cancer) was evaluated using fluorescent ABCB1 substrates. For functional assessment, cells overexpressing ABCB1 were generated by transduction with a lentiviral vector encoding for ABCB1, while zosuquidar was used for selective inhibition. In this study, 8 of 12 gemcitabine- or cisplatin-resistant cell lines were cross-resistant to carboplatin, 5 to pemetrexed, 4 to methotrexate, 3 to oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and paclitaxel, and 2 to cabazitaxel, larotaxel, docetaxel, topotecan, doxorubicin, and mitomycin c, and 1 of 12 cell lines was cross-resistant to vinflunine and vinblastine. In one cell line with acquired resistance to gemcitabine (TCC-SUP^rGEMCI²⁰), cross-resistance seemed to be mediated by ABCB1 expression. Our model identified the vinca alkaloids vinblastine and vinflunine, in Europe an already approved second-line therapeutic for metastatic bladder cancer, as the most effective compounds in urothelial cancer cells with acquired resistance to gemcitabine or cisplatin. These results demonstrate that this in vitro model can reproduce clinically relevant results and may be suitable to identify novel substances for the treatment of metastatic bladder cancer.     

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of lung masquerading as urothelial carcinoma of bladder

Background

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) of the lung is a rare subtype of non-small cell lung cancer. There is no consensus regarding optimal management for this disease.

Case report

We present a case of MEC of the lung in a 75 year-old female with a history of superficial urothelial carcinoma of the bladder. The patient was found to have an asymptomatic lung mass. Initial biopsy suggested metastatic recurrence of urothelial carcinoma and therefore, cisplatin and gemcitabine chemotherapy was administered prior to surgical resection. Pathological analysis of the resected specimen confirmed a diagnosis of stage IIIA MEC with focal high-grade features including transitional cell-like areas. Adjuvant radiotherapy was administered due to a positive microscopic resection margin. No chemotherapy was given due to lack of supporting data. The patient developed widespread metastatic disease 3 months following completion of radiotherapy and died 1 month later.

Conclusion

This case demonstrates the possibility of dual pathology in cases where metastatic disease is suspected. The use of small tissue samples may complicate diagnosis due to the heterogeneity of malignant tumours.     

晚期非小细胞肺癌p53 和ERCC1 表达状态与顺铂为主的 联合方案化疗的近期有效率的相关性研究*

目的:研究晚期非小细胞肺癌不同的p53和ERCC1表达状态与基于顺铂为主的姑息化疗近期有效率的相关性。方法:对经顺铂联合多西他赛或顺铂联合吉西他滨治疗的48例晚期非小细胞肺癌患者进行回顾性分析,利用既往免疫组化资料,观察基于顺铂为主的方案近期有效率(RR)的影响因素及化疗不良反应。结果:全组48例患者均完成至少两周期化疗,并行疗效评价。该组患者化疗的近期有效率为28例(58.3%),RR与不同的转移病灶部位(P=0.042)及病灶数目(P=0.034)有显著差异。该类方案的近期有效率与ERCC1状态(P=0.012)密切相关,而与p53表达状态(P=0.401)无关。毒性反应主要是骨髓抑制、脱发及消化道反应等。结论:晚期非小细胞肺癌ERCC1阴性患者较ERCC1阳性患者运用顺铂为主的联合方案化疗的近期有效率较高。ERCC1可能是顺铂疗效预测的敏感因子。p53的表达状态可能不是该类方案的疗效预测因子。     

Gemcitabine in the first and second-line chemotherapy of advanced non-small cell lung cancer

Aim of this study was to estimate efficacy of gemcitabine in first and the second-line chemotherapy for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (stage III and IV). In first-line chemotherapy, 120 patients were treated with different chemotherapy regimens. Fifty-nine patients were treated with gemcitabine / cisplatin (PG), 41 with cisplatin / etoposide (PE) and 20 with mitomycin / ifosfamide / cisplatin (MIC). Forty patients, unsuccessfully treated with PE and MIC in first-line therapy were treated with PG (24 pts) and with best supportive care (BSC) (16 pts). In first-line therapy PG was superior to PE and MIC protocol (mean survival (MS) 10 vs. 7 vs. 8.5 months). Response rate (RR) for PG in first-line therapy was 46% and 21% in second-line. We showed also significantly better survival in patients treated with PG in second-line chemotherapy comparing to best supportive care (MS 9 vs. 5.5 months). Toxic side effects for combination PG was acceptable. This study confirmed that PG combination is safe and effective as first and second-line chemotherapy for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.     

A Phase I Dose-Escalation Study of Lenalidomide in Combination with Gemcitabine in Patients with Advanced Pancreatic Cancer

Purpose

Lenalidomide have both immunomodulatory and anti-angiogenic properties which could confer anti-cancer effects. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of combining lenalidomide with the standard treatment gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer patients with advanced disease.

Patients and Methods

Eligible patients had locally advanced or metastatic adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. Patients received lenalidomide days 1–21 orally and gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 intravenously (days 1, 8 and 15), each 28 day cycle. Three cohorts of lenalidomide were examined (Cohort I = 15 mg, Cohort II = 20 mg and Cohort III = 25 mg daily). The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of lenalidomide given in combination with gemcitabine was defined as the highest dose level at which no more than one out of four (25%) subjects experiences a dose-limiting toxicity (DLT). Patients should also be able to receive daily low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) (e.g. dalteparin 5000 IU s.c. daily) as a prophylactic anticoagulant for venous thromboembolic events (VTEs). Twelve patients (n = 4, n = 3 and n = 5 in cohort I, II and III, respectively) were enrolled in this study.

Results

Median duration of treatment was 11 weeks (range 1–66), and median number of treatment cycles were three (range 1–14). The only DLT was a cardiac failure grade 3 in cohort III. Frequent treatment-related adverse events (AEs) (all grades) included neutropenia, leucopenia and fatigue (83% each, but there was no febrile neutropenia); thrombocytopenia (75%); dermatological toxicity (75%); diarrhea and nausea (42% each); and neuropathy (42%).

Discussion

This phase I study demonstrates the feasibility of the combination of lenalidomide and gemcitabine as first-line treatment in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. The tolerability profile demonstrated in the dose escalation schedule of lenalidomide suggests the dosing of lenalidomide to be 25 mg daily on days 1–21 with standard dosing of gemcitabine and merits further evaluation in a phase II trial.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01547260     

Retinoids, cisplatin and interferon-alpha in recurrent or metastatic cervical squamous cell carcinoma: clinical results of 2 phase II trials

BACKGROUND: There is no standard treatment for inoperable recurrent or metastatic cancer of the uterine cervix. Retinoids and interferon, in combination with cytotoxic compounds, have been shown to be active in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). This phase II trial sought to estimate the response rate and the tolerance to a 3-month treatment combining cisplatin, interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) and all-trans-retinoic (tRA) or 13 cis retinoic acid (13Cis), in women with recurrent or metastatic cervical SCC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between November 1994 and October 1996, 33 patients, who had previously received aggressive treatment, and with metastatic and/or bulky disease were enrolled: 22 received tRA(40 mg/m(2)/day), 11 received 13Cis (1 mg/kg/day) in combination with IFN-alpha (6.106 UI/day SC) for 84 days plus cisplatin (40 mg/m(2)IV, days 1, 28 and 56). RESULTS: All patients were evaluable for response and/or toxicity. Toxicities were easily manageable and were never life-threatening, with major grade 3/4 vomiting (54%) and asthenia (54%). Seventeen patients (52%) stopped or reduced treatment because of toxicity or progression. Six objective responses (18%) were observed. No complete response was recorded. Median response duration was 4 months. Time to progression was 9 months [range 3.3 to 20.9] for responders and 7 months [range 1.7 to 32] for all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Regarding toxicity, this regimen should no longer be recommended in previously treated, advanced uterine SCC. However, the consistent response rate reported here may warrant further investigations in an early setting. Retinoid-based treatment with cytokines remains a promising field of research.     

Adenylate kinase 3 sensitizes cells to cigarette smoke condensate vapor induced cisplatin resistance

Background

The major established etiologic risk factor for bladder cancer is cigarette smoking and one of the major antineoplastic agents used for the treatment of advanced bladder cancer is cisplatin. A number of reports have suggested that cancer patients who smoke while receiving treatment have lower rates of response and decreased efficacy of cancer therapies.

Methodology/Principal Findings

In this study, we investigated the effect of cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) vapor on cisplatin toxicity in urothelial cell lines SV-HUC-1 and SCaBER cells. We showed that chronic exposure to CSC vapor induced cisplatin resistance in both cell lines. In addition, we found that the expression of mitochondrial-resident protein adenylate kinase-3 (AK3) is decreased by CSC vapor. We further observed that chronic CSC vapor-exposed cells displayed decreased cellular sensitivity to cisplatin, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and increased basal cellular ROS levels compared to unexposed cells. Re-expression of AK3 in CSC vapor-exposed cells restored cellular sensitivity to cisplatin. Finally, CSC vapor increased the growth of the tumors and also curtail the response of tumor cells to cisplatin chemotherapy in vivo.

Conclusions/Significance

The current study provides evidence that chronic CSC vapor exposure affects AK3 expression and renders the cells resistant to cisplatin.     

Gemcitabine-cisplatin combination in the first line treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. Our experience and analysis of safety

In our Department we have studied the first line treatment of 90 stage IIIA-IV non-small cell lung cancer patients using gemcitabine/cisplatin combination. Thirteen cases have been unevaluable for various reasons. At the time of evaluation the planned 4 cycles have been delivered to 38% of patients (34/90). The PR was 39% (30/77), the CR was 2.6% (2/77) while the ORR was found to be 41% (32/77). 226 treatment cycles have been evaluated for side effects. There was no treatment-induced death in this series. CTC grade 3-4 neutropenia occurred in 5.7% of the cycles and only in 2 cases combined with fever. CTC grade 3-4 thrombocytopenia occurred in 4.4% of the cycles but only one patient required platelet suspension administration. Grade 3-4 anaemia developed in 3.5% of the cycles where 5 cases have been treated with RBC concentrate while 3 cases with erythropoietin. Complete alopecia occurred in 6 patients but 3 of them received brain irradiation as well. CTC grade 3-4 nausea and vomiting occurred in 4.4 and 3% of the cycles, respectively, but rehydration was only necessary in 3% of the cycles. Delay of the therapy due to hematological toxicity or vomiting occurred in 8% of the cycles but did not last longer than 2 weeks. Severe CTC grade 3-4 nephrotoxicity did not occur in this study while grade 1-2 elevation of serum creatinine level was found in 1.7% of the cycles. We have concluded that the gemcitabine/cisplatin combination is a safe outpatient modality for the first line treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients.     

Targeting the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) enhanced antiproliferative and apoptotic response in bladder cancer

Improving the chemotherapy sensitivity of bladder cancer is a current clinical challenge. It is critical to seek out effective combination therapies that include low doses of cisplatin due to its dose-limiting toxicity. This study aims to investigate the cytotoxic effects of the combination therapy including proTAME, a small molecule inhibitor, targeting Cdc-20 and to determine the expression levels of several APC/C pathway-related genes that may play a role in the chemotherapy response of RT-4 (bladder cancer) and ARPE-19 (normal epithelial) cells. The IC20 and IC50 values were determined by MTS assay. The expression levels of apoptosis-associated (Bax and Bcl-2) and APC/C-associated (Cdc-20, Cyclin-B1, Securin, and Cdh-1) genes were assessed by qRT-PCR. Cell colonization ability and apoptosis were examined by clonogenic survival experiment and Annexin V/PI staining, respectively. Low-dose combination therapy showed a superior inhibition effect on RT-4 cells by increasing cell death and inhibiting colony formation. Triple-agent combination therapy further increased the percentage of late apoptotic and necrotic cells compared to the doublet-therapy with gemcitabine and cisplatin. ProTAME-containing combination therapies resulted in an elevation in Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in RT-4 cells, while a significant decrease was observed in proTAME-treated ARPE-19 cells. Cdc-20 expression in proTAME combined treatment groups were found to be decreased compared to their control groups. Low-dose triple-agent combination induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis in RT-4 cells effectively. It is essential to evaluate the role of APC/C pathway-associated potential biomarkers as therapeutic targets and define new combination therapy regimens to achieve improved tolerability in bladder cancer patients in the future.     

洛铂与顺铂联合吉西他滨用于晚期肺癌患者化疗的疗效比较

目的:研究洛铂与顺铂联合吉西他滨用于晚期肺癌患者化疗的临床疗效,为临床治疗提供依据。方法:选取2013年1月到2015年1月我院收治的晚期肺癌患者190例,按照随机数字表法将患者分为I组和II组,每组95例,I组给予洛铂联合吉西他滨治疗,II组给予顺铂联合吉西他滨治疗,应用欧洲癌症研究和治疗组织(EORTC)的生命质量测定量表(QLQ-C30)评价治疗前、后患者的生活质量,比较两组近期疗效、远期疗效以及不良反应。结果:两组近期疗效比较无统计学意义(P0.05);I组平均缓解期(6.33±1.82)月显著长于II组的(5.13±0.84)月,I组中位生存期为(9.95±2.31)月显著长于II组的(7.82±1.24)月,比较差异均有统计学意义(P0.05);治疗后两组QLQ-C30评分均显著提高,且I组高于II组,比较差异具有统计学意义(P0.05);I组骨髓抑制发生率显著高于II组,恶心、呕吐发生率显著低于II组,比较差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:洛铂与顺铂联合吉西他滨用于晚期肺癌患者化疗近期疗效相当,洛铂联合吉西他滨具有较好远期疗效,且能提高患者生活质量,但骨髓抑制发生率较高。     

Possibilities and results with Herceptin-Taxol combination in the treatment of breast cancer

Taxol (paclitaxel) and Herceptin (trastuzumab) are two milestones in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. Accordingly it was feasible to study the combination of these two highly active drugs (with different toxicity profiles and mechanisms of action) in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. In multicentric phase III trial performed in the US the combination of Herceptin with either taxane or anthracyclin was investigated. It was established that the combination of Herceptin with Taxol treatment significantly improves the overall response rate, increases the time to progression and the overall survival. These effects are more pronounced in patients characterized with HER/2 +++ overexpression. Based on these evidences the Herceptin-Taxol combined treatment protocol was introduced in Hungary for the treatment of Stage IV breast cancer patients.     

培美曲塞联合顺铂治疗晚期非小细胞肺癌的临床疗效观察

目的:探讨培美曲塞联合顺铂治疗晚期非小细胞肺癌(NSCLC)的临床疗效。方法:随机选取我院肿瘤科晚期NSCLC患者177例,随机将其分为3组,培美曲塞联合顺铂治疗(PP组)72例,多西他赛联合顺铂治疗(DP组)53例,吉西他滨联合顺铂治疗(GP组)52例,比较三组治疗方法的临床疗效与不良反应之间的差异,根据临床疗效将PP组分为有效组与无效组,分析培美曲塞联合顺铂治疗晚期NSCLC的影响因素。结果:PP组疾病控制率(DCR)与客观有效率(ORR)均显著高于GP组(均P0.05);PP组与DP组近期疗效之间的比较无显著差异(均P0.05)。PP组的药物毒副作用均显著优于DP组与GP组(均P0.05)。PP组的中位生存期显著高于DP组与GP组(均P0.05),在无吸烟、腺癌与IV期晚期NSCLC患者中,培美曲塞联合顺铂治疗有效率更高。结论:培美曲塞治疗晚期NSCLC的疗效佳,与多西他赛相当并显著优于吉西他滨治疗,药物毒副作用小,且受吸烟状况、病理类型与临床分期影响。     

A meta-analysis of gemcitabine containing chemotherapy for locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Background

The objectives of the present study are to investigate the efficacy and safety profile of gemcitabine-based combinations in the treatment of locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma (LA/MPC).

Methods

We performed a computerized search using combinations of the following keywords: "chemotherapy", "gemcitabine", "trial", and "pancreatic cancer".

Results

Thirty-five trials were included in the present analysis, with a total of 9,979 patients accrued. The analysis showed that the gemcitabine-based combination therapy was associated with significantly better overall survival (OS) (ORs, 1.15; p = 0.011), progression-free survival (PFS) (ORs, 1.27; p < 0.001), and overall response rate (ORR) (ORs, 1.58; p < 0.001) than gemcitabine monotherapy. Similar results were obtained when the gemcitabine-fluoropyrimidine combination was compared with gemcitabine, with the OS (ORs, 1.33; p = 0.007), PFS (ORs, 1.53; p < 0.001), and ORR (ORs 1.47, p = 0.03) being better in the case of the former. The OS (ORs, 1.33; p = 0.019), PFS (ORs, 1.38; p = 0.011), and one-year survival (ORs, 1.40; p = 0.04) achieved with the gemcitabine-oxaliplatin combination were significantly greater than those achieved with gemcitabine alone. However, no survival benefit (OS: ORs, 1.01, p = 0.93; PFS: ORs, 1.19, p = 0.17) was noted when the gemcitabine-cisplatin combination was compared to gemcitabine monotherapy. The combinations of gemcitabine and other cytotoxic agents also afforded disappointing results. Our analysis indicated that the ORR improved when patients were treated with the gemcitabine-camptothecin combination rather than gemcitabine alone (ORs, 2.03; p = 0.003); however, there were no differences in the OS (ORs, 1.03; p = 0.82) and PFS (ORs, 0.97; p = 0.78) in this case.

Conclusions

Gemcitabine in combination with capecitabine or oxaliplatin was associated with enhanced OS and ORR as compared with gemcitabine in monotherapy, which are likely to become the preferred standard first-line treatment of LA/MPC.