Chromosomal localization of a gene, GF1, encoding a novel zinc finger protein reveals a new syntenic region between man and rodents

The Gfi1 gene encodes a zinc finger protein which binds DNA and is involved in transcriptional regulation. Gfi1 was assigned to the central portion of mouse Chr 5 by interspecific backcross mapping and to human chromosome band 1p22 and rat chromosome band 14p22 by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Comparative mapping data presented here describes a new syntenic region between man and rodents.

Prolongation of the survival period with the biological response modifier PSK in rats bearing N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-induced mammary gland tumors

The antitumor effects of a protein-bound polysaccharide (PSK) obtained from cultured mycelia of Coriolus versicolor in basidiomycetes on mammary gland tumors produced in Sprague-Dawley rats by the intravenous injection of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea were investigated. PSK prolonged the survival period of tumor-bearing rats significantly, when given at the dose of 250 mg/kg twice a week for 3 weeks after the tumor reached 100 mm2 in size (p = 0.011 by log rank test and p = 0.023 by generalized Wilcoxon test). These findings suggest that PSK is effective in the prolongation of the survival period in the rat autochthonous tumor model, acting at the growth stage of the tumor during carcinogenesis.

Neurons with intensely negatively charged extracellular matrix in the human visual cortex

Neurons in the human visual cortex were demonstrated to possess an intensely negatively charged surface coat which was stained with cationic iron colloid and aldehyde fuchsin. Digestion with hyaluronidase eliminated both the iron colloid and fuchsin stainings of the coats. Treatment with chondroitinase ABC, heparitinase and keratanase eliminated the iron colloid staining of the coats, but did not interfere with the fuchsin staining. Electron microscopy of ultrathin sections revealed that the cationic iron particles were preferentially deposited in the perineuronal tissue spaces. These findings indicate that the surface coats consist of sulfated proteoglycans, which, as an extracellular matrix, occupy the perineuronal tissue spaces. This study further demonstrates that neurons with such surface coats are identical with neurons labeled with lectin Vicia villosa agglutinin. The cell surface glycoproteins reactive to this lectin may not be the structural elements of the sulfated coats since the lectin labeling was not interrupted by the hyaluronidase digestion.

[Recent advance in chemotherapy for breast cancer]

In cases of recurrent progressive breast cancer, ADM, CPM, 5-FU, MTX, MMC and vinca alkaloids have proven to be effective, but CMF and CAF have been considered the standard chemotherapy regimen. But no regimen can cure recurrent progressive breast cancer. Thus, the aim in recent years has been greater efficacy and longer survival by means of dose-intensity. The latter has become possible through G-CSF, the patient's own bone marrow transplant or implantation of peripheral vascular cells and the like, resulting in 70-90% efficacy. The CR rate also has reached over 50%, and long-term survival has been achieved. Clinical research has been thus moving ahead, encouraged by the promise of chemotherapy employing such huge doses. However, in combination with other forms of therapy, a great number of controversial problems are encountered which require study. Recently, a number of agents such as Taxotere or CPT-11 have been used effectively in combination for breast cancer, and they appear to be very promising.

Cardiovascular effects of YM099, a novel K+ channel opener, in anesthetized and conscious dogs

Cardiovascular effects of a newly synthesized benzoxadiazol derivative K+ channel opener, YM099, 2-(7,8-dihydro-6,6-dimethyl-6H-[1,4]oxazino[2,3- f][2,1,3]benzoxadiazol-8-yl) pyridine N-oxide, were evaluated in dogs. In pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs, YM099 (1-10 micrograms/kg i.v.), similarly to levcromakalim (1-10 micrograms/kg i.v.), dose dependently increased coronary artery blood flow, max.d p/dt and cardiac output, and decreased total peripheral resistance and mean blood pressure, with a small increase in heart rate. These vasodilator effects were antagonized by glibenclamide (3 mg/kg i.v.). Interestingly, YM099 selectively increased coronary artery blood flow, although it increased carotid, coronary, mesenteric and renal artery blood flows and cardiac output. In addition, YM099 (1-10 micrograms/kg i.v.) increased large conductive coronary artery vessel diameter as well as coronary artery blood flow. In conscious dogs, YM099 (100 micrograms/kg i.v.) also increased the diameter of large conductive and small resistive coronary arteries. In conclusion, YM099 is a potent vasodilator agent, with particularly pronounced effects on the coronary artery. These effects of YM099 may be mediated by the opening of ATP-sensitive K+ channels.

[Late phase II clinical study of RP56976 (docetaxel) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer]

A late phase II clinical study of RP56976 (Docetaxel) was conducted in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Patients with non-small cell lung cancer in Stage IIIB and Stage IV not previously treated were enrolled. Docetaxel was administered at a dose of 60 mg/m2 based on the results of a phase I and an early phase II clinical study, and the efficacy and safety were examined. Of the 77 patients enrolled, 72 patients were evaluated to have completed the scheduled course of treatment by the Evaluation Committee. A partial response (PR) was seen in 18 patients, and the overall response rate was 25.0%. The response rate classified by clinical stage was 28.0% (7/25) in patients with Stage IIIB and 23.4% (11/47) in patients with Stage IV. Hematological adverse reactions included leukopenia of Grade III or more in 53.3% (40/75) and neutropenia of Grade III or more in 86.7% (65/75) as specified in the Adverse Event Reporting Form proposed by the Japan Society for Cancer Therapy. Other major adverse reactions included alopecia, asthenia, and fever, all of which were tolerable. From these results, the efficacy of docetaxel for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer was confirmed.

[Early phase II clinical study of RP56976 (docetaxel) in patients with primary pulmonary cancer. Docetaxel Cooperative Study Group for Lung Cancer]

An early phase II clinical study of RP56976 (Docetaxel), a new anticancer agent of plant origin, was conducted in patients with primary pulmonary cancer as a multicentered study involving 28 Japanese institutions. Docetaxel was administered at an intravenous dose of 60 mg/m2 based on the results of a phase I clinical study, and efficacy and safety were examined. Of the 65 patients enrolled, 57 patients were evaluated to have completed the scheduled course of treatment by the Evaluation Committee. The antitumor effect in patients with non-small cell lung cancer was 21.4% (9/42). In patients not previously treated, the antitumor effect was 30.0% (6/20), in patients previously treated the antitumor effect was 13.6% (3/22), and in 13.3% (2/15) of patients with small cell lung cancer. This shows that docetaxel had an efficacy for non-small cell lung cancer. Hematological adverse reactions included leukopenia and neutropenia of Grade III or more as specified in the Adverse Event Reporting Form proposed by the Japan Society for Cancer Therapy in 53.3% (32/60) and 78.3% (47/60) patients, respectively. Other major adverse reactions included alopecia and anorexia. Neurological symptoms developed at a low frequency and were mild in severity.

[Late phase II clinical study of RP56976 (docetaxel) in patients with advanced/recurrent breast cancer]

A late phase II clinical study of RP56976 (Docetaxel), a new semisynthetic anticancer agent, was conducted in patients with advanced/recurrent breast cancer. RP56976 (Docetaxel) was in general administered at an intravenous dose of 60 mg/m2 with dose-free intervals of 3-4 weeks. Of the 74 patients enrolled, 64 patients completed the scheduled course of treatment. Three patients showed complete response (CR), 32 patients partial response (PR), 3 patients minor response (MR), 18 patients no change (NC), and 8 patients had progressive disease (PD). The overall response rate was 54.7%. The response rate in patients who previously had received chemotherapy was 55.7%, and the response rate in patients who had resistance to anthracycline agents or who did not respond to previous treatment was 58.7%. Adverse reactions included nausea/vomiting in 38 patients (57.6%), fatigue in 46 patients (69.7%), anorexia in 46 patients (69.7%), fever in 26 patients (39.4%), and alopecia in 60 patients (90.9%), all of which were tolerable. Abnormal laboratory findings included leukopenia (Grade III or more) in 57 patients (86.4%) and neutropenia (Grade III or more) in 56 patients (86.2%). The results show that RP56976 (Docetaxel) is an excellent agent with high antitumor effect for the treatment of advanced/recurrent breast cancer.

Cytogenetic analysis of 63 non-small cell lung carcinomas: recurrent chromosome alterations amid frequent and widespread genomic upheaval

A detailed cytogenetic analysis of 63 non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLCs) was carried out for identification of recurrent chromosomal alterations. Most specimens displayed very complex karyotypes with multiple numerical and structural changes (median number, 31). Losses of chromosomes 9 (65% of cases) and 13 (71%) were the most frequent numerical changes. Loss of the Y was often observed in tumors from males. Gain of chromosome 7 was also frequent (41%). Chromosome arms 1p, 1q, 3p, 3q, 6q, 7q, 8q, 9p, 11q, 17p, and 19q were particularly prone to rearrangement. The chromosome arm most often contributing to losses was 9p (79%). Other arms that were frequently lost included 3p, 6q, 8p, 9q, 13q, 17p, 18q, 19p, 21q, 22q, and the short arm of each acrocentric chromosome. The percentage of cases with loss of 3p was significantly higher in squamous cell carcinomas (94%) than in adenocarcinomas (60%). There was also a statistically significant increase in the proportion of cases with gains of 1q, 7p, and 11q in adenocarcinomas compared to squamous cell carcinomas. Several recurrent isochromosomes and unbalanced exchanges were found. Among these was i(5p), which was observed in nine tumors, eight of which displayed adenomatous features. An i(8q) was identified in six cases, including five adenocarcinomas. Double minutes and/or homogeneously staining regions were seen in seven specimens. These data indicate that numerous chromosome alterations contribute to the pathogenesis of NSCLC and that, amid this widespread genomic disarray, recurrent abnormalities exist that could have biological and clinical implications.

In situ localization of type III and type IV collagen-expressing cells in human diabetic nephropathy

Nodular intercapillary glomerulosclerosis is the most typical lesion of diabetic nephropathy (DN) and is characterized by increased extracellular matrix (ECM) and amorphous masses of mesangial matrix. The local exaggeration of these deposits results in the formation of the typical diabetic nodule. To clarify the composition of the ECM of sclerotic lesions in DN, we investigated the distribution of type III and type IV collagens and their mRNAs by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization, respectively. In normal renal tissues, there was no intraglomerular immunostaining for type III collagen, while strongly positive staining was found in the extraglomerular interstitium. Positive immunostaining for type IV collagen was also present in the mesangium, glomerular basement membrane (GBM), Bowman's capsule, and the vascular pole of the normal glomerulus. In DN, the nodular lesions were negative for type III collagen and strongly positive for type IV collagen. On the other hand, in the late stage of global sclerosis, both type III and type IV collagens were diffusely present in the sclerotic matrix. To determine the origins of these type III and type IV collagens in the sclerotic matrix, in situ hybridization was performed, utilizing thymine-thymine (T-T) dimerized synthetic oligonucleotides complementary to either pro alpha 1(III) chain or pro alpha 1(IV) chain mRNAs as probes. The signals were detected by enzyme immunohistochemistry using an anti-T-T antibody. Intraglomerular cells (glomerular epithelial and mesangial cells) containing type III collagen mRNA were found in DN with sclerotic lesions, but not in normal glomeruli.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[An early phase II clinical study of RP56976 (docetaxel) in patients with breast cancer]

An early phase II clinical study of RP56976 (docetaxel), a new anticancer agent of plant origin, was conducted in patients with breast cancer at 20 Japanese collaborative institutions. Docetaxel was administered at two or more doses of 60 mg/m2 by intravenous infusion with dose-free intervals of 3-4 weeks, and the efficacy and safety was evaluated. Of the 51 patients enrolled, 50 patients completed the scheduled course of treatment. Two patients showed a complete response (CR) and 19 showed a partial response (PR) with a response rate of 42.0%. The response rates based on the efficacy for metastatic lesions in soft tissue, liver and lung, were 46.2% (18/39), 37.5% (3/8), and 38.5% (5/13), respectively. Of the 50 patients who completed the study, 48 patients had previously been treated for the present malignancy. Forty-seven patients had previously been treated with chemotherapy and showed a response rate of 40.4% (19/47). The response rate in those who had received chemotherapy composed of anthracyclines and other agents was 44.1% (15/34). Grade 3 or more severe leukopenia and neutropenia developed in 43 patients (84.3%) and 48 patients (94.1%), respectively. Other adverse reactions which occurred in a Grade 3 or more severe form included nausea/vomiting (1 patient), anorexia (5 patients), diarrhea (4 patients), fatigue (2 patients), and alopecia (20 patients). Except for alopecia, most adverse reactions were generally transient and reversible without any specific treatment.

[Phase II clinical study of RP56976 (docetaxel) in patients with carcinoma ovarii or carcinoma colli uteri]

An early phase II clinical study of RP56976 (docetaxel), a new semisynthetic agent, in patients with carcinoma ovarii or carcinoma colli uteri was undertaken by a cooperative study group of 23 institutes. Docetaxel was administered at an initial intravenous dose of 60 mg/m2 with dose-free intervals of 3-4 weeks, and its efficacy and safety were evaluated. Of the 47 patients with carcinoma ovarii enrolled, 44 patients were eligible and 36 patients completed the scheduled course of treatment. Of the 23 patients with carcinoma colli uteri enrolled, 20 patients were eligible and 15 patients completed the scheduled course of treatment. For antitumor efficacy in patients with carcinoma ovarii, 1 patient showed partial response (PR), 10 showed no changes (NC) (2 showed minor response (MR)), and 25 had progressive disease (PD). The overall response rate was 2.8% (1/36). Of patients with carcinoma colli uteri, 7 patients showed no changes (NC) (1 patient showed minor response (MR)), 8 patients had progressive disease (PD). Major adverse reactions included 64/65 (98.5%) leukopenia, 56/59 (94.9%) neutropenia, 40/60 (61.5%) decrease of hemoglobin, 12/64 (18.8%) thrombocytopenia, 30/65 (46.2%) anorexia, 23/65 (35.4%) nausea/vomiting, 37/65 (56.9%) alopecia, and 26/65 (40.0%) fatigue, all of which were mild.

Changes in the activities of DNA polymerases in growing rat lungs

We hypothesized that cellular proliferation and the capacity to repair DNA damage in the lung might differ during the pre- and postnatal periods, because the lung is exposed to higher oxygen concentrations and/or various mutagens after birth. In order to test this hypothesis, changes in DNA content and the activities of DNA polymerase alpha and beta were studied in the lungs of 1-day prenatal to 42-day postnatal rats. Total DNA polymerase activity reached its highest level at 1 day prenatal and 1 day after birth. The activity decreased exponentially by 28% up to 14 days of age, a change inversely related to the change in DNA content. The change in total DNA polymerase activity agreed closely with the change in DNA polymerase alpha activity, but not the activity of the beta form, although small elevations in both DNA polymerase alpha and beta were observed on day 3, possibly reflecting the mechanical effect of delivery. The activity of DNA polymerase beta remained relatively constant from 1 day before birth to 21 days after birth, varying by only about 5%. From these results, it is concluded that: (1) cellular proliferation in the lung is most active during the first 2 weeks after birth as supported by the increases in DNA polymerase alpha activity and DNA content, and (2) anticipating the oxygen enriched atmosphere after birth, the level of DNA polymerase beta, involved in the DNA repair system, is already elevated during the prenatal period and remains constant throughout the postnatal period.

[An early phase II clinical study of RP56976 (docetaxel) in patients with cancer of the gastrointestinal tract]

An early phase II clinical study of RP56976 (docetaxel), a new semisynthetic agent, was conducted in patients with apparatus digestorius cancer. Two or more intravenous doses of 60 mg/m2 were administered with dose-free intervals of 3-4 weeks. Of the 44 patients enrolled, 32 patients (15 patients with gastric cancer, 16 patients with colon cancer, and 1 patient with pancreatic cancer) completed the scheduled course of treatment. For antitumor efficacy in the 15 patients with gastric cancer that completed the study, 3 showed a partial response (PR)(20.0%). Of the 16 patients with colon cancer that completed the study, 1 showed a partial response (PR)(6.3%). No efficacy was noted in the patient with pancreatic cancer. All three patients with gastric cancer showing a partial response (PR) to docetaxel had displayed no response to previous chemotherapy. Evaluation was made for the primary gastric lesion and metastatic lesions in cervical lymph nodes and liver. The most frequent adverse reactions included leukopenia (100%) and neutropenia (97.2%) and subjective/objective adverse reactions included alopecia (80.6%), anorexia (72.2%), fatigue (52.8%), fever (47.2%) nausea/vomiting (47.2%), and diarrhea (38.9%). Leukopenia was of Grade III or more in 75.0% of the patients and neutropenia was of Grade III or more in 91.7%. All other adverse reactions were acceptable. The results suggest that docetaxel is an effective anticancer agent for gastric cancer.

[Phase I clinical trial of RP 56976 (docetaxel) a new anticancer drug]

A multicenter phase I clinical trial of RP 56976 (docetaxel), a new anticancer drug, was performed with single and repeated doses. Based on the results of phase I clinical trials conducted in the United States and Europe, the starting dose was 10 mg/m2. The dose was subsequently increased to 20, 50, 70 and 90 mg/m2. A dose of 60 mg/m2 was additionally tested. Single administrations of the six dose levels were performed in a total of 27 patients via intravenous drip infusion over one hour. Ten of the patients subsequently received repeated doses at three of the dose levels in the same manner. The dose limiting factor (DLF) of docetaxel is leukopenia (especially, neutropenia). Based on the observation of the DLF, the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was determined to be 70-90 mg/m2. The white blood cell count reached a nadir about 9.5-19.5 days (median) after administration, and took 7-11 days (median) to recover. Other adverse reactions observed were nausea/vomiting anorexia, alopecia, diarrhea, fatigue and fever, which were all acceptable. The results of this trial suggest that a dosage regimen of 60 mg/m2 at 3- to 4 week intervals is appropriate in an early phase II clinical trial.

The occurrence of neurons with strongly negatively charged surface coats in mammalian, avian, reptilian, amphibian and piscine brains

Neurons with strongly negatively charged surface coats were recognized in mammalian, avian, reptilian, amphibian and piscine brains. Many large-sized neurons had strongly negatively charged surface coats in the visual cortex and brain stem of the cow, cat, guinea pig, mouse, quail and parakeet. Such neurons were also seen in the brain stem of the lower vertebrates such as the house lizard, Japanese terrapin, bullfrog, newt, carp and sweetfish.

[Therapeutic strategy for anaplastic carcinoma and malignant lymphoma of the thyroid]

Therapeutic strategies for anaplastic carcinoma and malignant lymphoma of the thyroid are reviewed. Because of the rarity of both diseases among thyroid malignancies, the generally accepted treatment policy has not been established, although the importance of radiation therapy and chemotherapy has been well recognized for the treatment of both diseases. Hyperfractionated radiation therapy combined with suitable systemic chemotherapy will counter anaplastic thyroid carcinoma and prolong survival. Most patients with thyroid malignant lymphoma have better prognoses than anaplastic carcinoma patients. But delayed diagnosis and inadequate treatment still results in a poor prognosis, in spite of the more treatable characteristics of thyroid malignant lymphoma than anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. At present, early detection of the tumor and selection of a suitable therapy is necessary for the improvement of prognosis, and further clinical studies are required to establish effective regimens for multidisciplinary treatment.

Amino acids and peptides. XXIII. Leu-enkephalin analogs containing a fluorinated amino acid at position 2, 4 or 5

Fluorinated analogs of Leu-enkephalin were synthesized by the solution method and the solid-phase method. The synthetic peptides were examined for opioid activities on mouse vas deferens and guinea pig ileum. Among the synthetic peptides,[D-Ala2,Leu(F3)(2R,4S)5]enkephalin and [D-Ala2,Leu(F3)(2S,4R)5]enkephalin exhibited potent opioid activity, and [Leu(F3)(2S,4R)5]enkephalin exhibited high delta-receptor selectivity.

Effects of imipramine and amitriptyline on intraventricular conduction, effective refractory period, incidence of ventricular arrhythmias induced by programmed stimulation, and on electrocardiogram after myocardial infarction in dog

The effects of imipramine and amitriptyline on intraventricular conduction, effective refractory period, incidence of ventricular arrhythmias induced by programmed stimulation and on electrocardiogram changes were studied after myocardial infarction in the dog. Amitriptyline, at doses of 1-3 mg/kg, significantly slowed the ventricular conduction of the infarcted zones in a dose- and frequency-dependent manner. Amitriptyline, at doses of 2 and 3 mg/kg, slowed the ventricular conduction slightly in the normal zone. The effective refractory period was prolonged by amitriptyline at a dose of 1 mg/kg. Amitriptyline increased the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias induced by programmed stimulation. Amitriptyline, at doses of 1-3 mg/kg, increased heart rate and prolonged the PQ, QRS and QT interval. Imipramine, at a dose of 3 mg/kg, slowed the conduction in infarcted zones to a lesser extent than amitriptyline. Imipramine, at doses of 1 and 2 mg/kg, did not significantly increase the incidence of ventricular arrhythmias. Imipramine, at a dose of 3 mg/kg, prolonged the QRS interval. From the present results it appears that imipramine has a lower cardiac toxicity than amitriptyline.

[Late phase II clinical study of irinotecan hydrochloride (CPT-11) in the treatment of malignant lymphoma and acute leukemia. The CPT-11 Research Group for Hematological Malignancies]

A nationwide multi-center cooperative phase II clinical study of irinotecan hydrochloride (CPT-11) was conducted to evaluate its efficacy in intractable malignant lymphoma and acute leukemia. In malignant lymphoma, one course of CPT-11 consisted of intravenous drip infusion at a dose of 40 mg/m2 once daily for 3 consecutive days, performed once a week. In acute leukemia, one course of CPT-11 consisted of intravenous drip infusion at a dose of 15 to 20 mg/m2 a day twice daily for 7 consecutive days (1 cycle), performed every 2 to 4 weeks. Among the 79 patients with malignant lymphoma and 50 patients with acute leukemia enrolled in the study, 66 and 41 patients, respectively, completed treatment. These patients had all undergone chemotherapy prior to treatment. Among the malignant lymphomas, the response rate in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), including 9 CRs, was 42% (26/62, 95% CI: 30-54%); of these there was a response rate of 39% (5/13), including 1 CR, in adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) as well. In Hodgkin's disease (HD), on the other hand, there were no cases in which efficacy was demonstrated (0/4). The overall response rate in malignant lymphoma was 39% (26/66), and the response rate even among the recurrent intransigent cases was 42% (16/38). The 50% survival time (MST) in the 74 eligible cases of malignant lymphoma was 153 days. In acute leukemia, on the other hand, partial remission was observed in 2 of 17 cases (12%) of acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), but no cases of remission were observed in the 24 patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). The overall remission rate in acute leukemia was 5% (2/41, 95% CI: 1-14%). The principal adverse effects were myelosuppression in malignant lymphoma and gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, anorexia and abdominal pain, in both malignant lymphoma and acute leukemia, and there was little organ damage to the heart, liver or kidney. Myelosuppression and gastrointestinal adverse effects were severe in some of the patients, so caution is required. Based on the above findings, CPT-11 appears to be efficacious in the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

[A late phase II study of CPT-11 (irinotecan) in advanced breast cancer. CPT-11 Study Group on Breast Cancer]

A late phase II study of CPT-11 for advanced breast cancer was conducted at 27 institutions. Seventy-nine patients were enrolled, 75 were eligible for the study, and 65 were evaluable for efficacy. One complete response and 14 partial responses were obtained, and the response rate was 23%. The response rate of patients with prior endocrine therapy and prior chemotherapy including adriamycin or other anthracycline drugs was 27% (11/41) and 26% (12/46), respectively. The response rate for patients with estrogen receptor-negative tumors and premenopausal patients was 32% (6/19) and 27% (4/15), respectively. Responses were observed not only for soft tissue lesions such as lymph nodes (5/17), but also for distant metastases in the lungs (8/28) and bone (1/18). The major adverse reactions were myelosuppression and gastrointestinal symptoms. The incidence of Grade 2 or higher leukopenia, anemia, nausea/vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea and alopecia was 68%, 31%, 67%, 59%, 37%, and 30%, respectively. These results suggested that CPT-11 was a promising drug for advanced breast cancer.

[Late phase II study of irinotecan hydrochloride (CPT-11) in advanced gastric cancer. CPT-11 Gastrointestinal Cancer Study Group]

A multi-institutional collaborative late phase II study of irinotecan hydrochloride (CPT-11) was performed on patients with advanced gastric cancer. CPT-11 was administered as a 100 mg/m2 weekly intravenous infusion or as 150 mg/m2 fortnightly. Of 81 registered patients, 77 cases were eligible and 60 cases were evaluable for response. The overall response rate for evaluable cases was 23.3% (14/60), and the response rate was 16.1% (9/45) for the patients who had received prior chemotherapy. The primary tumor showed a 4.5% response, while metastatic lesions in the lymph-nodes, lungs, and liver showed response rates of 36.4%, 33.3%, and 17.4%, respectively. The major toxicities (> or = Grade 3) were leukopenia (41.2%), anemia (28.9%), diarrhea (22.4%) and anorexia (19.7%). These toxicities were generally reversible. CPT-11 showed activity against advanced gastric cancer, suggesting that further clinical studies of CPT-11 combined with other active chemotherapy agents are warranted.