Study of either ifosfamide or teniposide compared to a standard chemotherapy for extensive disease small cell lung cancer: an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group randomized study (E1588)

This randomized study of previously untreated patients with extensive disease small cell lung cancer was designed (a) to compare the survival of patients treated with either effective standard chemotherapy or an investigational anti-cancer drug as initial therapy and (b) to evaluate response rates and toxic effects of such therapies. One hundred and thirty-five patients were randomly assigned to receive as initial therapy, either the standard CAV regimen--cyclophosphamide (1000 mg/m(2)), doxorubicin (50 mg/m(2)) and vincristine (1.4 mg/m(2)) every 3 weeks--or the phase II drugs ifosfamide (1.5 gm/m(2)/days 1-5) with mesna (300 mg/m(2)) dose at 0, 4 and 8 h after IV daily ifosfamide every 3 weeks or teniposide (60 mg/m(2)/days 1-5) every 3 weeks. Nonresponders received salvage chemotherapy-etoposide (120 mg/m(2) on days 1, 2 and 3) and cisplatin (60 mg/m(2) on day 1), repeated every 3 weeks. Among the 46 patients on CAV, there were two complete and 24 partial responses (56%). Among the 43 patients on ifosfamide, there were three complete and 18 partial responses (49%), while among the 46 patients on teniposide, there were two complete and 18 partial responses (43%). Eighty-three of the patients proceeded onto salvage regimen, of which 81 were analyzable for response and toxicity. Among the 81 patients who continued on salvage therapy and were evaluable for response, the overall best response rate was 61% for CAV+salvage, 54% for ifosfamide+salvage, and 53% for teniposide+salvage. These rates were not significantly different (P=0.962). Of the 135 analyzable patients, 130 (96%) have died. The estimated median survival time was 42 weeks for CAV patients, 43 weeks for ifosfamide, and 38 weeks for teniposide. Seven patients survived longer than 2 years (four on CAV, one on ifosfamide and two on teniposide). There were 29 life-threatening complications to the induction regimen (22 (48%) on CAV, four (9%) on ifosfamide and three (7%) on teniposide) and seven lethal complications (two on CAV, four on ifosfamide and one on teniposide). The treatments were significantly different with respect to the overall degree of toxicity (P < 0.0001) with CAV being more toxic. The data of this study, like the previous ECOG study suggests that the administration of a new agent followed by effective salvage chemotherapy in the treatment of extensive disease small cell lung cancer may have no adverse effect on survival.

p21WAF1 expression is associated with improved survival after adjuvant chemoradiation for pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

Cell cycle arrest after DNA damage is partly mediated through the transcriptional activation of p21(WAF1) by the p53 tumor suppressor gene. p21(WAF1) and p53 are both critical in maintaining cell cycle control in response to DNA damage from radiation or chemotherapy. Therefore, we examined the role of p21(WAF1) and p53 in the determination of outcome for patients who receive radiation and/or chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

p21(WAF1) and p53 protein expression were determined (with the use of immunohistochemistry) in specimens from 90 patients with pancreatic cancer. Forty-four patients underwent surgical resection, and 46 patients had either locally unresectable tumors (n = 9 patients) or distant metastases (n = 37 patients). Seventy-three percent of the patients who underwent resection and 63% of the patients who did not undergo resection received radiation and/or chemotherapy.

RESULTS

p21(WAF1) expression was present in 48 of 86 tumors (56%) and was significantly (P<.05) associated with advanced tumor stage. Median survival among patients with resected pancreatic cancer who received adjuvant chemoradiation with p21(WAF1)-positive tumors was significantly longer than in patients with no p21(WAF1) staining (25 vs. 11 months; P = .01). Fifty of 89 tumors (56%) stained positive for p53 protein. p53 overexpression was associated with decreased survival in patients who did not undergo resection.

CONCLUSIONS

Normal p21(WAF1) expression may be necessary for a beneficial response to current adjuvant chemoradiation protocols for pancreatic cancer. Alternate strategies for adjuvant therapy should be explored for patients with pancreatic cancer who lack functional p21(WAF1).

Molecular metastases in stage I pancreatic cancer: improved survival with adjuvant chemoradiation

BACKGROUND

Reports of improved survival rates for patients with resected adenocarcinoma of the pancreas coincide with the adoption of adjuvant chemoradiation protocols. The impact of nodal micrometastases demonstrated by molecular assays and adjuvant therapy on survival of patients with stage I pancreatic cancer has not been adequately assessed.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of postoperative chemoradiation on survival in 61 patients undergoing resection of pancreatic adenocarcinomas from 1984 to 1997 was performed. Archival tumors and regional nodes from 25 patients with stage I cancers were tested for a Kiras oncogene mutation using polymerase chain reaction and analysis for restriction fragment length polymorphisms (PCR/RFLP).

RESULTS

Adjuvant chemoradiation was associated with improved survival for stage I (P < .01), but not stage III, disease. Seventeen (68%) of 25 patients with stage I disease tested had evidence of mutant Kiras in one or more regional nodes. Survival did not differ for patients with molecular micrometastases. Six of 17 (35%) patients with micrometastases received adjuvant chemoradiation and had improved survival (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of patients with stage I pancreatic cancer have PCR/RFLP evidence of lymph node micrometastases. Adjuvant chemoradiation improves survival in these patients by treating micrometastases not detected by histology. Adjuvant chemoradiation should be used for patients with stage I pancreatic cancers.

Evaluation of continuous-infusion gallium nitrate and hydroxyurea in combination for the treatment of refractory non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Based on preclinical studies demonstrating synergy between gallium and hydroxyurea, we evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of continuous intravenous gallium nitrate in combination with oral hydroxyurea in patients with refractory non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Fourteen patients, median age 64 years (range 53-89), with stage III or IV low- or intermediate-grade lymphoma were treated with gallium nitrate and hydroxyurea in combination for 7 days at four different dose levels: (a) gallium nitrate, 200 mg/m2/day; hydroxyurea, 500 mg/day; (b) gallium nitrate, 250 mg/m2/day; hydroxyurea, 1,000 mg/day; (c) gallium nitrate, 300 mg/m2/day; hydroxyurea, 1,000 mg/day; and (d) gallium nitrate, 350 mg/m2/day, hydroxyurea, 1,000 mg/day. All patients had progressive disease and had been heavily pretreated. Six of 14 patients had objective tumor regression following treatment (one complete response, one near-complete response, and four partial responses) with a median duration of response of 7 weeks (range 3-38 weeks). An additional four patients had minor responses. Responses occurred at all dose levels and in both low- and intermediate-grade histologic subtypes. The predominant toxicities encountered were anemia and reversible nephrotoxicity. Combination gallium nitrate and hydroxyurea has significant activity in lymphoma and is well tolerated even by elderly patients. Because of the lack of cross-resistance to other drugs and the potential synergistic antineoplastic activity, gallium nitrate and hydroxyurea should be further evaluated in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents.

An ECOG phase II study of amonafide in unresectable or recurrent carcinoma of the head and neck (PB390). Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and toxicity of amonafide in unresectable or recurrent head and neck cancer and to determine if the degree of toxicity with amonafide correlated with the acetylator phenotype of the patient. Thirty patients were registered on the study and received amonafide, 300 mg/m2, over two hours each day for five consecutive days every 21 days. There was one partial response (3%) which lasted four months. The dose-limiting toxicity was myelosuppression. Acetylator phenotype was determined prior to treatment using HPLC to quantitate caffeine metabolites in urine samples after administration of caffeine. This pharmacokinetic evaluation was performed in 21 patients and revealed that (17/21) 81% of the patients were slow acetylators and 19% of the patients were rapid acetylators. No association was found between acetylator phenotype and toxicity in our patient population. Based on this study, it appears that amonafide given at 300 mg/m2 for 5 consecutive days every 21 days is not active in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, and that acetylator status does not correlate with toxicity.

Novel glial-neuronal signalling by coactivation of metabotropic glutamate and beta-adrenergic receptors in rat hippocampus

1. We have previously reported that activation of group II-like metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) in rat hippocampus results in a potentiation of the accumulation of cAMP elicited by activation of G-protein Gs-coupled receptors. This large increase in cAMP levels results in release of cAMP or a cAMP metabolite and depression of synaptic transmission at the Schaffer collateral-CA1 pyramidal cell synapse through activation of A1 adenosine receptors. 2. Consistent with these studies, we report that antagonists of group II mGluRs block both the potentiation of cAMP accumulation elicited by activation of mGluRs and the depression of synaptic transmission induced by coactivation of mGluRs and beta-adrenergic receptors. 3. In situ hybridization studies suggest that of the cloned group II mGluRs only mGluR-3 mRNA is present in area CA1. Interestingly, mGluR-3 appears to be present predominantly in glia in this region. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that mGluRs coupled to potentiation of cAMP accumulation were present on glia rather than neurons in area CA1. 4. The selective group II mGluR agonist 2S,1'R,2'R,3'R-2(2,3-dicarboxycyclo-propyl)glycine (DCG-IV) failed to enhance cAMP-mediated electrophysiological responses to the beta-adrenergic receptor agonist isoprenaline (Iso) in CA1 pyramidal cells, suggesting that mGluRs coupled to potentiation of cAMP accumulation may not be present in these cells. 5. Pre-incubation of hippocampal slices with either of the selective glial toxins L-alpha-aminoadipic acid (L-AA) or fluorocitrate (FC) blocked mGluR-mediated potentiation of cAMP accumulation. However, L-AA and FC had no discernible effects on viability of CA1 pyramidal cells, or cAMP-mediated electrophysiological effects in these neurons. 6. Pre-incubation of hippocampal slices with the neurotoxin kainate resulted in disruption of neuronal transmission and degeneration of neurons in area CA1, but had no effect on mGluR-mediated potentiation of cAMP accumulation. 7. Pre-incubation of hippocampal slices with the cAMP/cAMP metabolite transport blocker probenicid blocked the depression of synaptic transmission elicited by coapplication of Iso and DCG-IV, while having no significant effect on cAMP accumulation elicited by these agonists. 8. Taken together, these data suggest that mGluRs coupled to potentiation of cAMP accumulation are present on glia rather than neurons in area CA1 of hippocampus. This suggests that a novel form of glial-neuronal communication may exist, since activation of these mGluRs in concert with beta-adrenergic receptors results in depression of synaptic transmission.

Phase I/IB study of polyadenylic-polyuridylic acid in patients with advanced malignancies: clinical and biologic effects

The synthetic polynucleotide polyadenylic-polyuridylic acid (polyA:polyU) has shown antitumor activity in murine studies and human breast cancer. PolyA:polyU was evaluated in 25 cancer patients receiving weekly intravenous doses between 3 and 600 mg/m2. PolyA:polyU was well tolerated up to 600 mg/m2, with no doselimiting toxicity (all < grade 3). Side effects included mild elevation in temperature, fatigue, and mild hyperglycemia. No changes outside of the normal range in hematocrit, WBC count, platelet count, total bilirubin, or alkaline phosphatase were observed. Of 25 patients, 18 completed at least one cycle of 6 weeks, and 5 completed two cycles (median 6 weeks). Four patients had stable disease over 11-13 weeks of treatment, and no clinical responses were observed. At 24 h after the first treatment, there were no significant increases in biologic response (beta 2-microglobulin and neopterin in serum, or 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase in peripheral blood mononuclear cells). A small increase in beta 2-microglobulin was observed 24 h after the week 3 treatment (1.1-fold, p < 0.01). By the third week of treatment, 2-5A synthetase levels decreased slightly (to 80% of baseline, p < 0.01). No changes in cytokines IL-6, IL-12, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), or IL-2 receptor in serum were detected after 24 h of treatment. Thus, at these doses, polyA:polyU had no marked modulation on biologic responses in vivo, although this preparation significantly induced 2-5A synthetase in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro. PolyA:polyU was well tolerated. An MTD was not reached but was greater than 600 mg/m2 on this weekly schedule.

Hematologic and immunologic evaluation of recombinant human interleukin-6 in patients with advanced malignant disease: evidence for monocyte activation

Eighteen advanced cancer patients received weekday subcutaneous injections of recombinant interleukin-6 (rIL-6) for 4 weeks at escalating doses. Patients were evaluated for hematologic and immune system effects. Hematologic monitoring included WBC, differential, Hgb and Hct, platelet counts, and assessment of marrow and peripheral blood progenitors. Immunologic monitoring included evaluation of acute-phase reactants (APRs), immunophenotyping, serum cytokine levels, cytokine-induced proteins, and cytokine messenger RNA (mRNA). The maximal tolerated dose (MTD) was 8.0 micrograms/kg/day, with neurocortical toxicity as the major limiting factor. All patients became anemic, and most had fever and chills. APRs were increased throughout treatment. WBCs increased transiently on day 2; granulocytes and monocytes increased again through day 26, whereas lymphocytes decreased to baseline or lower levels. Platelets responded by day 12 and increased through day 26 at the MTD with no effect on colony-forming unit-megakaryocyte (CFU-Mk). Peripheral WBC and RBC progenitors were not affected but decreased in the marrow. T-cell percentages declined with little effect on absolute numbers; T-cell activation was seen. CD45RO+ T cells decreased, but there was no significant effect on CD8+ CD28+ T cells. Neither B cells nor natural killer (NK) cells were affected. However, evidence of monocyte effects included upregulation of CD71, induction of the cytokine-induced proteins 2-5A synthetase and neopterin, and increases in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) mRNA. Serum cytokines were undetected, and mRNA for IL-1 beta, IL-2, and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) was not induced; however, mRNA for IL-4 and IL-10 did increase suggesting activation of Th2-like T cells. One mixed tumor response was seen. We conclude that IL-6 alone has systemic activity on the immune system, as well as the hematopoietic system, which at the MTD, primarily involves induction of APR, activation and expansion of monocytes, and activation of Th2-like T cells.

Randomized placebo-controlled multicenter evaluation of diethyldithiocarbamate for chemoprotection against cisplatin-induced toxicities

PURPOSE

Diethyldithiocarbamate (DDTC) blocks cisplatin-induced toxicities in animal models without inhibiting antitumor effects. DDTC chemoprotection was tested in a randomized, multicenter, double-blind comparison versus placebo (PB) in patients with lung or ovarian cancer. Primary end points were nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity, neuropathy, and completion of therapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between April 1990 and February 1992, 221 patients were registered with small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), or ovarian cancer. Cisplatin (100 mg/m2) and cyclophosphamide (in ovarian cancer) or etoposide (in lung cancer) were administered with either DDTC (1.6 g/m2 over 4 hours) or PB intravenously, every 4 weeks for a planned six cycles.

RESULTS

At an interim safety analysis, data were available for 195 patients from the combined lung and ovarian cancer populations (PB, 99 patients; DDTC, 96 patients). Withdrawal for chemotherapy-induced toxicities occurred in 9% of PB-treated patients and 23% of DDTC-treated patients (P = .008). The mean cisplatin delivered dose-intensity (DDI) was 23 mg/m2/wk on both arms. However, the mean cisplatin cumulative dose delivered (CDD) was 379 mg/m2 on the PB arm, compared with 247 mg/m2 on the DDTC arm (P = .0001). At the time of interim analysis, 28% of PB-treated patients had completed all six cycles of therapy, compared with only 6% of DDTC-treated patients (P < .001). Although, clinical hearing loss, neuropathy, emesis, and myelosuppression were equivalent in the two treatment arms, DDTC-treated patients had more nephrotoxicity as determined by changes in serum creatinine concentration. Toxicities related to DDTC infusion included transient hypertension, flushing, and hyperglycemia. DDTC did not compromise response rates in either tumor type.

CONCLUSION

This study did not demonstrate a significant chemoprotective effect against cisplatin-induced toxicities with the DDTC dose schedule tested. Patients who received DDTC received lower cumulative doses of cisplatin, but were more likely to be withdrawn from treatment early due to chemotherapy-related toxicities.

Phase I trial of an oral immunomodulator and interferon inducer in cancer patients

Imiquimod [1-(2-methylpropyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5c]quinolin-4-amine] is a compound of low molecular weight that, when administered p.o., induces interferon-alpha in several animal species and inhibits tumor growth in mice. To determine maximum tolerated dose, toxicity, and biological response in humans, a phase I clinical trial was conducted with 14 eligible cancer patients who received 100-500 mg imiquimod p.o. either once or twice weekly. Imiquimod induced interferon-alpha in serum in 10 of 19 doses of 200-300 mg. Interferon serum levels peaked 8-24 h after treatment and reached a maximum of 23,000 IU/ml in one patient. Significant mean increases (P < 0.01) in serum beta 2-microglobulin (1.5-fold), serum neopterin (3.5-fold), and 2-5A synthetase activity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (7.9-fold) indicated that 200-300 mg imiquimod had biological and immunological activity in all evaluable patients. Increases in serum interferon, beta 2-microglobulin, and neopterin correlated significantly with dose (P < 0.001). No patient developed measurable antibody to interferon-alpha. Dose-limiting side effects included fatigue, malaise, fever, headache, and lymphocytopenia; no hepatic or renal toxicity or other hematological changes exceeded the normal range. Patients tolerated weekly doses of up to 500 mg, with the longest treatment lasting 4 weeks at 200 mg weekly. Twice-weekly doses up to to 300 mg were tolerated, with the longest twice-weekly treatments being 200 mg for 9 weeks and 100 mg for 25 weeks. No clinical responses were observed. Imiquimod, as an oral inducer of interferon, may have therapeutic usefulness in human cancers, viral infections, and other diseases. However, before initiation of phase II trials, additional work will be required to establish a tolerated dose and schedule for continued administration.

Imaging of regional spread of breast cancer by internal mammary lymphoscintigraphy, CT, and MRI

Forty women with breast cancer underwent imaging by internal mammary lymphoscintigraphy (IMLS), which was correlated with the results of CT and MRI of the chest. IMLS was performed and interpreted using the previously described methods of Ege. It identified 22 instances of ipsilateral internal mammary nodal involvement, none of which corresponded to cases of abnormally enlarged (diameter greater than 1.0 cm) internal mammary nodes on CT and/or MRI. Positive IMLS was associated with axillary nodal metastases in 15 out of 22 instances. The authors conclude that IMLS provides information on regional nodal spread of breast cancer that is not available with either CT/MRI imaging or axillary biopsy.

Cytarabine plus idarubicin or daunorubicin as induction and consolidation therapy for previously untreated adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia

The purpose of this study was to determine the relative merits of idarubicin and daunorubicin in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) therapy. Thirty-two sites provided 214 previously untreated adults with AML aged 15 years or more who were randomized to receive for induction therapy cytarabine 100 mg/m2/d as a continuous 7-day infusion plus either daunorubicin 45 mg/m2/d (A + D) or idarubicin 13 mg/m2/d (A + I), daily on the first three days of treatment. Postremission therapy consisted of two courses of the induction regimen at the same daily doses, with the anthracycline administered for 2 days and cytarabine for 5. The complete response (CR) rates for evaluable patients were 70% (A + I) and 59% (A + D) (P = .08). The difference in CR rates was significant in patients aged 18 to 50 years (88% for A + I, 70% for A + D, P = .035). Resistant disease was a significantly more frequent cause of induction therapy failure with A + D than with A + I. Hyperleukocytosis (white blood cell count greater than 50,000/microL) unfavorably affected the attainment of CR with A + D but not with A + I. CR duration was significantly greater after A + I. CR duration was significantly greater after A + I treatment, and the survival of all randomized patients treated with A + I was significantly better than that observed after A + D treatment (median 12.9 months v 8.7 months, respectively, P = .038). Toxicity of the two treatments was similar, although A + I patients experienced more prolonged myelosuppression during consolidation therapy, and a greater incidence of mild chemical hepatitis was observed in the A + I group. It is concluded that, at the doses and schedule used in this study, A + I is superior to A + D for induction therapy of AML in adults.

Twice-daily tapering dexamethasone treatment during cranial radiation for newly diagnosed brain metastases

Twenty evaluable patients with newly diagnosed brain metastases underwent treatment with a novel dose/schedule of dexamethasone aimed at reducing steroid toxicity during palliative radiation therapy. All patients received twice daily dexamethasone starting at 8 mg bid for four days then 4 mg bid for four days then 2 mg bid until the last day of radiation therapy. The radiation prescriptions were not standardized varying from 2000 cGy/5 fractions to 5800 cGy/29 fractions. Fourteen patients received dexamethasone for a minimum of 24 hours before their first radiation treatment and 7 (50%) experienced improvement in neurologic symptoms/signs prior to starting radiation treatments. Fourteen patients completed the planned course of radiation and dexamethasone. Only 1 patient needed to restart dexamethasone within 30 days of finishing radiation because of steroid reversible neurologic deficits. Steroid toxicity was mild including hyperglycemia (1), candida esophagitis (1), steroid pseudorheumatism (2), peripheral edema (1) and steroid withdrawal syndrome (1). Only two toxic events were recorded in patients receiving steroids less than 21 days. Twice daily dexamethasone appears to provide good clinical results with minimal morbidity.

Evaluation of continuous infusion low-dose 5-azacytidine in the treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes

The treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) is both difficult and controversial. In the current study, we evaluated the efficacy of low-dose 5-azacytidine in the treatment of this disorder. Fifteen patients with MDS were entered on study to be treated with 5-azacytidine by continuous intravenous infusion for 14 days. Doses of the drug ranged from 10 mg/m2/day to 35 mg/m2/day, with most patients receiving 16.5 mg/m2/day. In two patients, the drug was stopped early in the course of treatment because of thrombocytopenia. Thirteen patients completed therapy according to protocol. Three of 13 patients demonstrated a partial response to therapy. Of these three patients, one had an increase in platelet and absolute neutrophil counts, while the other two no longer required support with red cell transfusions. The drug was well tolerated and significant myelosuppression did not occur in most patients. Low-dose 5-azacytidine appears to have activity in the treatment of primary MDS and future studies should consider evaluation of this drug in combination with hematopoietic growth factors.

Continuous 5-fluorouracil infusion and alpha interferon in advanced cancers: a report of initial treatment results

Twenty-four patients with advanced metastatic cancer were treated with continuous intravenous 5-fluorouracil infusion 200-300 mg/m2/day and alpha interferon 3 million units subcutaneously 3 times per week. The average duration of treatment was 87 days (range 22-204 days). 5-fluorouracil could be infused 66% of the planned time on treatment, and patients received an average of 60% of the planned interferon injections. Objective tumor responses were seen in 6 of 17 previously untreated patients (35%). Twenty-two of the 24 patients (92%) experienced toxicity (greater than or equal to ECOG grade II) that required treatment interruption and subsequent dose reduction predominantly for the following reasons: mucositis (67%), hand-foot syndrome (21%), and leukopenia (25%). The incidence of treatment limiting toxicity is higher than previously observed with 5-fluorouracil infusion alone. This suggests true augmentation of 5-fluorouracil effect by interferon. 5-Fluorouracil infusion and alpha interferon is a potentially useful combination that needs further evaluation in future phase II and phase III trials.

Treatment of hypercalcemia of malignancy with intravenous etidronate. A controlled, multicenter study. The Hypercalcemia Study Group

In a prospective, randomized, double-blind, multicenter study, 202 patients with cancer from 19 medical centers were treated for hypercalcemia of malignancy with daily intravenous infusions of etidronate disodium (136 patients) or saline alone (66 patients) for 3 consecutive days. Patients also received up to 3.25 L of saline daily during the treatment period. Of 157 patients for whom data could be evaluated for efficacy, 63% (72/114) of etidronate-treated and 33% (14/43) of saline-treated patients had a normalization of total serum calcium levels. When serum calcium levels were adjusted for albumin (147 assessable patients), 24% of the etidronate- and 7% of the saline-treated patients responded to treatment. No serious side effects or treatment-related deaths occurred. When accompanied by adequate hydration and diuresis, intravenous etidronate was safe and more effective than hydration and diuresis alone in controlling hypercalcemia of malignancy.

Randomized comparison of doxorubicin and vindesine to doxorubicin for patients with metastatic soft-tissue sarcomas

Two treatment regimens for metastatic soft-tissue sarcomas were compared in a randomized trial in the cooperative group setting. Histopathologic diagnosis was affirmed by pathology reference panel review in 72% of the 347 patients. In 21% of patients, the reference panel affirmed the diagnosis of soft-tissue sarcoma but disagreed as to type; 7% of patients were ineligible based upon cell type. Of 298 patients evaluable, measurable tumor regression (partial or complete response) occurred in 17% of patients to doxorubicin (70 mg/m2 intravenously) and 18% of patients to doxorubicin (70 mg/m2 intravenously) and vindesine (3 mg/m2 intravenously), each given every 3 weeks. No difference existed in complete response (4% for doxorubicin, 6% for doxorubicin and vindesine) or median survival (9.4 months for doxorubicin, 9.9 months for doxorubicin and vindesine). Overall, 60% of those patients on doxorubicin and vindesine and 46% on doxorubicin experienced a severe or worse toxicity of treatment (P = 0.01). With greater toxicity and lack of any gains in efficacy, the results do not support use of the combination of doxorubicin and vindesine for metastatic soft-tissue sarcomas.

Treatment of cancer-related hypercalcemia

Hypercalcemia, a complication that develops in 10% to 20% of patients with cancer, results from disruption of the normal physiologic mechanisms that closely regulate calcium homeostasis. Most patients with hypercalcemia are seriously dehydrated, and this volume depletion further compromises the kidney's ability to excrete calcium. Replenishment of extracellular fluid, restoration of intravascular volume, and maintenance of saline diuresis are the cornerstones of initial therapy. In most patients, pharmacologic inhibition of abnormally increased osteoclastic resorption is necessary to normalize serum calcium and achieve long-term control. The severity of the hypercalcemia and the patient's renal function, bone marrow reserve, and anticipated response to specific antineoplastic agents can all influence the selection of an antihypercalcemic agent. Available drugs for initial therapy include calcitonin, plicamycin, and etidronate; several additional investigational agents have shown promising efficacy in controlling hypercalcemia of malignancy. The bisphosphonates have an excellent safety profile and appear to be the agents of choice for initial and long-term management of cancer-related hypercalcemia.

Phase II trial of methylglyoxal-bis(guanylhydrazone) (MGBG) in patients with refractory multiple myeloma: an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) study

Twenty patients with refractory multiple myeloma were treated with methylglyoxal-bis(guanylhydrazone) (MGBG), an inhibitor of polyamine synthesis. MGBG 500 mg/m2 was administered on days 1 and 8, and then every 14 days. The dose was escalated to 600 mg/m2 on day 22, as tolerated. Of 14 evaluable patients, none met ECOG criteria for an objective response. The major toxicity was hematologic and related infections. MGBG demonstrated insufficient activity in the treatment of refractory multiple myeloma to warrant further study.

A pilot study of short-course, high-dose cytosine arabinoside, etoposide, and cisplatin in refractory, aggressive-histology, non-Hodgkin's lymphomas

Twenty-three patients with refractory, aggressive-histology, non-Hodgkin's lymphomas were treated with cytosine arabinoside (2.0 g/m2 i.v. every 12 h on days 1 and 2), etoposide (100 mg/m2 i.v. on days 1 and 2), and cisplatin (35 mg/m2 i.v. on days 1 and 2) every 3 weeks. All patients had received one or two prior chemotherapy regimens. Five of 19 (26%) evaluable patients responded, with a median duration of response of 9 weeks (90% confidence interval: 11-48%). One patient with a complete response remains free of disease over 31 months after completing six cycles of therapy. Six transient responses of less than 1-month duration were also observed. Hematological toxicity was significant: 73% of patients experienced grade 4 neutropenia, and 52% experienced grade 4 thrombocytopenia. Twenty patients (87%) underwent dose reductions following their first cycle of therapy for grade 3 or 4 myelosuppression. We conclude that this combination of drugs, when administered by this schedule, has limited antitumor activity; however, administering the regimen with a dose-intense schedule appears warranted.

T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma in human immunodeficiency virus-1-infected individuals

We present two patients with human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) infection in whom T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma developed, based on pathologic diagnosis, immunophenotyping, and T-cell receptor gene rearrangement. Both cases were positive for human immunodeficiency virus-1 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoblot methods. Histologic sections from each patient showed a high-grade pleomorphic T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and immunophenotyping demonstrated a prevalence of reactivity for CD4 (helper) over CD8 (suppressor) antigens. T-cell receptor beta-chain gene rearrangement studies revealed a rearranged pattern with either the HindIII or BamHI enzymes, whereas immunoglobulin heavy chain genes retained a germ-line configuration. Viral sequences specific for human T-cell leukemia virus-I, human T-cell leukemia virus-II, or HIV-1 were not detected. Thus, although rare, T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma may be observed in HIV-1-infected individuals.

Pityrosporum folliculitis after bone marrow transplantation. Clinical observations in five patients

A skin rash in marrow graft recipients often poses difficult diagnostic problems because multiple causes may be implicated, and clinical and histopathologic findings may be nonspecific. Five recipients of allogeneic bone marrow transplants had pityrosporum folliculitis diagnosed by skin biopsy in the early weeks (less than 18 days) after transplantation. In all cases, patients were febrile and leukopenic (granulocyte count, less than 500 cells/mm3), and were receiving broad-spectrum antibiotics at onset of the skin rash. Erythematous macules and papules were distributed primarily over the chest, shoulders, and upper back, and pustules and crusts developed in some cases. Granulocyte counts of more than 500 cells/mm3 were associated with resolution of the rash. Pityrosporum infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis of skin rashes in marrow graft recipients.