High-dose cisplatin and mitomycin C in advanced non-small cell lung cancer: a phase II study of the Northern California Oncology Group

To investigate chemotherapeutic dose intensity in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), we evaluated a pharmacokinetically designed schedule of high-dose cisplatin (200 mg/m2 per 28-day cycle) plus mitomycin C. Between March 1987 and March 1989, 62 patients were registered for a phase II study of the Northern California Oncology Group (NCOG). The treatment schedule consisted of cisplatin in hypertonic saline given on a divided days 1 and 8 schedule (100 mg/m2 on each day) plus mitomycin C given at a dose of 8 mg/m2 on day 1 of each cycle. In 61 patients evaluable for response analysis, the overall response rate was 39% (24/61), with a complete response being achieved in 6% (4/61) of cases and a partial response, in 33% (20/61). The response according to reviewed histologic subtype included squamous, 53% of patients (10/19); large cell, 31% (4/13); and adenocarcinoma, 34% (10/29). The median survival for all patients was 29.3 weeks. The mean cisplatin and mitomycin C delivered dose intensities in this study were 45 mg/m2 per week (90% of the projected dose) and 1.5 mg/m2 per week (75%). The toxicity of this combination regimen in the 62 enrolled patients was significant but manageable. Leukopenia (WBC, less than 1,000/mm3) and thrombocytopenia (platelets, less than 25,000/mm3) occurred in 3% and 8% of patients treated, respectively. Dose-limiting renal toxicity and clinically significant ototoxicity developed in 8 patients each (13%), and a peripheral sensory neuropathy was observed in 17 cases (27%). Whether this type of dose-intensive therapy results in an improved therapeutic index in NSCLC is currently being evaluated in a randomized comparative trial versus standard-dose cisplatin therapy.

Cisplatin rescue therapy: experience with sodium thiosulfate, WR2721, and diethyldithiocarbamate

Cisplatin has a steep dose response curve for both antitumor and adverse effects. Therapeutic strategies aimed at reducing toxicity and allowing dose escalation of intravenous cisplatin, such as administration in hypertonic saline and pharmacokinetically based dosing schedules, have been partially successful in reducing nephrotoxicity and bone marrow suppression. However, new dose-limiting toxicities consisting of peripheral neuropathy and ototoxicity have emerged, which continue to restrict potential use of high dose cisplatin therapy. Intraperitoneal administration of high dose cisplatin also offers the potential of markedly increased local drug exposure if systemic toxicity can be avoided. Proposed chemoprotective agents, including sodium thiosulfate, WR2721, and diethyldithiocarbamate (DDTC) are being extensively examined as "rescue agents" for either regional or systemic administration of cisplatin. Although each agent offers unique advantages to be considered in developing successful rescue therapy, many questions remain regarding molecular and pharmacokinetic interactions with cisplatin, appropriate dosing schedules, and effects on antineoplastic activity. We present a review of current investigations of chemoprotectors for prevention of cisplatin-related toxicities.

Post-transfusion purpura and isoimmune neonatal thrombocytopenia in the same family

Post-transfusion purpura and isoimmune neonatal thrombocytopenia are rare and unusual syndromes leading to severe thrombocytopenia. In both disorders the PLA1 platelet antigen is involved in the pathogenesis. A 41-year-old woman with an obstetrical history of isoimmune neonatal thrombocytopenia in two of her children developed post-transfusion purpura following a transfusion of packed red blood cells. Despite the apparent link in these two disorders associated with the PLA1 platelet antigen, this is the first reported case of post-transfusion purpura and isoimmune neonatal thrombocytopenia occurring in the same family.

Pharmacokinetics of cisplatin in patients receiving interleukin-2-containing treatment regimens

Plasma cisplatin pharmacokinetics were determined in 6 patients enrolled in a phase I trial of combined high-dose cisplatin and Interleukin-2 (IL-2) therapy. Cisplatin (100 mg/m2) was given in 3% saline as a 3-h infusion on days 1 and 8 of each 28-day cycle; IL-2(2-4 x 10(6) units/m2) was given as an i.v. bolus on days 15-19 in a dose escalation trial. Peak total and ultrafiltrate plasma platinum concentrations were 1.15 and 0.172 micrograms/ml for cycle 1 and 1.2 and 0.124 micrograms/ml for cycle 3, respectively. The AUCs for total and ultrafiltrate plasma platinum were 7.33 and 0.965 micrograms/ml per hour for cycle 1 and 8.48 and 0.924 micrograms/ml per hour for cycle 3, respectively. Total body clearances for total and ultrafiltrate platinum were 0.051 and 0.525 ml/h for cycle 1 and 0.042 and 0.443 ml/h for cycle 3, respectively. These data demonstrate no significant effects of IL-2 on the plasma pharmacokinetics of cisplatin in the dose schedule given and support the feasibility of this combined modality therapy.

Evaluation of cisplatin dose intensity: current status and future prospects

Cisplatin dose intensity is a potentially important concept in the chemotherapeutic management of several human malignancies. In vitro studies have demonstrated steep dose-response relationships in a variety of tumor types. Although previous clinical trials have also suggested the importance of cisplatin dose, renal insufficiency has limited exploration of more dose-intensive regimens. Recently, therapeutic strategies such as hypertonic saline have allowed dose escalation to the level of 200 mg/m2/28 day cycle, or 50 mg/m2/week as standardized for dose intensity analysis. In this review, we summarize the rationale for investigation of cisplatin dose intensity, pertinent pharmacokinetics, and potential methods of dose escalation. Clinical data are presented regarding both efficacy and newly recognized non-renal toxicities of high-dose cisplatin. We describe the results of a pharmacokinetically designed schedule of high-dose cisplatin in hypertonic saline, administering a divided dose of 100 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8 of each 28-day cycle. This regimen has resulted in high response rates and encouraging survival times in non-small cell lung cancer, and is currently being investigated in several different tumor types. Compared to other dose-intensive regimens, this day 1 and 8 schedule is relatively well-tolerated, with a toxicity pattern not substantially different from standard-dose cisplatin. Since non-renal toxicities such as peripheral neuropathy continue to limit cumulative cisplatin dose, other methods of increasing dose intensity are of considerable interest. We present the rationale and current trials utilizing chemoprotective or "rescue" agents as a means of maximizing cisplatin dose intensity and minimizing the toxicity of this agent.

GR 38032F (GR-C507/75): a novel compound effective in the prevention of acute cisplatin-induced emesis

We evaluated, in a multi-center trial, the safety and efficacy of GR 38032F (GR-C507/75), a novel and selective serotonin antagonist, in preventing acute emesis in chemotherapy-naive patients receiving treatment with regimens containing high-dose cisplatin (greater than or equal to 100 mg/m2). Eighty-five patients were randomized to receive GR 38032F, 0.18 mg/kg, either every six or every eight hours for three doses, beginning 30 minutes before cisplatin. Patients were evaluated for emetic episodes (vomiting or retching) over a 24-hour period following cisplatin. All patients were evaluable for toxicity and 83 were evaluable for efficacy. The overall antiemetic response rate was 75% (55% complete response [CR], 20% major response). No difference in antiemetic control between the two administration schedules was noted. Patients with histories of heavy ethanol use had significantly better antiemetic control (74% CR) than modest or non-drinkers (33% CR). Toxicity of GR 38032F was modest and independent of administration schedule. The most common adverse events included mild hepatic transaminase elevations, self-limited diarrhea, dry mouth, headache, and mild sedation. Our data indicate that GR 38032F is a safe and effective agent in the control of acute cisplatin-induced nausea and vomiting. Additional trials exploring dosing, schedule, and comparison to standard antiemetic agents are indicated.

Cisplatin dose intensity in non-small cell lung cancer: phase II results of a day 1 and day 8 high-dose regimen

Between October 1985 and March 1987, 92 patients were registered on a phase II study of the Northern California Oncology Group investigating the importance of dose intensity in the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Treatment consisted of high-dose cisplatin in hypertonic saline (200 mg/m2 on a 28-day cycle) given in a divided day 1 and day 8 schedule. The response rate among 76 assessable patients was 36% (27/76), with complete response (CR) in 8% (6/76) and partial response (PR) in 28% (21/76). If all patients receiving any drug therapy were considered, the overall response rate was 31% (27/87), with CR in 7% (6/87) and PR in 24% (21/87). Median survival times for all assessable patients and all patients receiving any therapy were 37 and 35 weeks, respectively. With the use of a protocol design specifying dose delays rather than dose reduction for toxicity, the mean dose intensity delivered was 47.2 mg/m2 per week, or 94% of projected. Compared with other dose-intensive regimens of cisplatin, this day 1 and day 8 schedule was relatively well tolerated, with peripheral neuropathy as the dose-limiting toxicity. The data on response and median survival times among patients receiving this single-agent therapy are encouraging. They support the potential importance of cisplatin dose intensity in the treatment of NSCLC. Whether these results represent a positive dose-response effect in NSCLC will be tested in a randomized comparative trial of high-dose versus standard-dose cisplatin therapy.

Topical dimethylsulfoxide may prevent tissue damage from anthracycline extravasation

The optimal management of anthracycline extravasation remains unclear. Traditional topical measures to reduce local tissue damage, including corticosteroids, sodium bicarbonate, and ice applications, have not consistently demonstrated beneficial effects. This report describes our experience with four adult patients who suffered anthracycline extravasation and were treated with a regimen of ice, local glucocorticoid injection, and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) 55%-99% applied topically every 2-4 h after extravasation for a minimum of 3 days. In all four cases, pain and erythema resolved within 2 days; in no case did tissue necrosis or skin ulceration occur. Topical DMSO is a safe, inexpensive agent that appears to reduce the risk of anthracycline-induced tissue damage. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal dose and schedule of DMSO application and to assess its efficacy in extravasation injuries from other vesicants.

High-dose cisplatin with diethyldithiocarbamate (DDTC) rescue therapy: preliminary pharmacologic observations

Diethyldithiocarbamate (DDTC), a chelating agent that is a major metabolite of disulfuram, has been proposed as a potential rescue agent to reduce toxicity following high-dose cisplatin (HDCP) therapy. In the present study, we examined the pharmacologic interaction of HDCP and DDTC given as rescue therapy. Total plasma platinum and ultrafiltrate platinum pharmacokinetics and DDTC levels were determined in six patients with advanced malignancies who received a total of 11 cycles of HDCP with DDTC rescue. HDCP therapy (200 mg/m2 per cycle) consisted of 100 mg/m2 reconstituted in 250 cc 3% saline and infused over 3 h on days 1 and 8 of each 28-day cycle. DDTC rescue at a dose of 4 gm/m2 was given by an i.v. infusion (duration 1.5-3.5 h), beginning 45 min after the completion of cisplatin infusion. Peak total and ultrafiltrate levels and cisplatin pharmacokinetics in this study were indistinguishable from those of previous studies using the same HDCP regimen without DDTC rescue. Ultrafiltrate or unbound plasma platinum was less than 10% of total plasma platinum concentrations and demonstrated a biphasic pattern of elimination. Levels of DDTC predicted to be chemoprotective (greater than 400 microM) were achieved with the dose and schedule used in this study. These data demonstrate that DDTC can be targeted to protective plasma concentrations without significantly altering plasma cisplatin pharmacokinetics and support the potential usefulness of DDTC as a rescue agent following HDCP therapy.

Differential diagnosis of monoclonal gammopathy

With a large segment of the adult population now undergoing routine screening tests on a periodic basis, findings such as rouleaux when the complete blood count is performed or an elevated total protein and globulin fraction on serum chemistries often lead to the performance of a serum protein electrophoresis. When a monoclonal gammopathy is confirmed, the clinician is faced with a broad differential diagnosis that includes a variety of distinct malignant plasma cell disorders and lymphoproliferative diseases, as well as the high incidence of MGUS in the otherwise healthy adult population. Other benign causes of secondary monoclonal gammopathy, such as underlying inflammatory or infectious disorders or drug reactions, may add to the diagnostic dilemma in some patients. By following a systematic plan of laboratory evaluation such as that described here, however, and always keeping the patient's clinical status as a primary focus, the clinician should be able to arrive at a diagnosis and formulate a therapeutic plan in most instances. The most common differential diagnosis, that of MGUS versus PCM, still is difficult in some cases, and it is emphasized that careful follow up over time remains the best method at present for differentiating these two conditions. Once the basic laboratory evaluation of monoclonal gammopathy has been completed, further work-up will need to be individualized. In some cases, the preliminary evaluation will reveal a key feature, such as a monoclonal gammopathy that is IgM, which will lead to a rapid diagnosis of WMG and alert the clinician to investigate other nonroutine aspects of the laboratory evaluation, such as a serum viscosity or specific tests of hemostatic function. In other patients, the initial laboratory evaluation of monoclonal gammopathy may lead to other recommendations, such as lymph node biopsy for evaluation of possible lymphoma, or tissue biopsy to confirm the suspicion of amyloidosis. Overall, the evaluation of monoclonal gammopathy remains a challenging one, but one in which the clinician usually is rewarded with a diagnosis that will allow him to make appropriate management plans for his patient.

Renal salt wasting in patients treated with cisplatin

Although cisplatin nephrotoxicity is well documented, renal sodium wasting has rarely been reported. Seven of seventy patients treated with cisplatin over 18 months developed salt-wasting nephropathy and orthostatic hypotension. All patients presented 2 to 4 months after starting cisplatin with severe orthostatic hypotension (mean orthostatic change in blood pressure, -37 +/- 8 mm Hg) without preceding extrarenal volume loss or diuretic use. Urinary sodium concentration was 85 to 145 mmol/L, fractional excretion of sodium was 1.0% to 8.0%, and urinary osmolar concentration was 340 to 619 mmol/kg, while orthostatic hypotension was present. Six patients were hyponatremic (116 to 137 mmol/L). Serum creatinine and urea levels were elevated in five patients but fell after rehydration. Vasopressin averaged 5.4 pg/mL (2.1 to 12.7 pg/mL) (n = 5) and was suppressed with hydration (mean, 2.5 pg/mL, 1.5 to 4.3 pg/mL). Plasma renin activity was undetectable in two patients and low in three patients, and aldosterone was low in six patients despite clinical volume depletion. Cisplatin may produce renal salt wasting causing symptomatic orthostatic hypotension and hyponatremia associated with abnormalities of the renin-aldosterone system.

Fatal bleomycin toxicity from a low cumulative dose in a patient with renal insufficiency

A 54-year-old man with advanced non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and chronic renal insufficiency was treated with combination chemotherapy which included bleomycin. Fatal pulmonary toxicity developed after administration of a total bleomycin dose of only 60 U. Transbronchial biopsy and autopsy demonstrated pathologic findings consistent with bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. High-dose corticosteroid therapy did not appear to alter the clinical course. Extreme caution should be exercised when administering bleomycin to patients with renal insufficiency.

Treatment of refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia with prednimustine: a phase II study using strict response criteria

Twenty-one patients with refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) were entered into this Northern California Oncology Group (NCOG) study of prednimustine, an ester of chlorambucil and prednisolone. All patients had active disease and were refractory to standard alkylating agent chemotherapy. Treatment consisted of prednimustine 100 mg/m2/day orally for 3 consecutive days every 2 weeks. By strict response criteria used in this study there was one complete remission (CR), no partial remissions (PR), and three cases of clinical improvement (CI) in 18 evaluable patients, for a total response rate of 22%. The median duration of response is 20+ months, with two patients continuing to respond. Toxicity of this intermittent prednimustine regimen consisted primarily of mild to moderate thrombocytopenia and neutropenia. No episodes of treatment-associated infection or hemorrhage occurred, and nonhematologic toxicity was minor. Using strict response criteria, this study fails to confirm previous reports of high response rates for prednimustine in patients with CLL refractory to standard therapy. The significance of the response category of clinical improvement in CLL is demonstrated by the substantial improvement in objective parameters and the long duration of response. This study also emphasizes the need for standardization of response criteria for this disease.

High-dose cisplatin in hypertonic saline: reduced toxicity of a modified dose schedule and correlation with plasma pharmacokinetics. A Northern California Oncology Group Pilot Study in non-small-cell lung cancer

Although increased efficacy has been described with a five-day schedule of high-dose cisplatin (CDDP) in hypertonic saline, severe myelosuppression and cumulative neurotoxicity have limited the usefulness of this therapy. In order to evaluate a possible dose-response relationship in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), 17 patients with metastatic disease were treated with a modified dose schedule delivering the same total dose (200 mg/m2) in a divided day 1 and 8 schedule. During a pilot study, a total of 47 cycles of therapy were administered, with a median of three cycles per patient and a median total cumulative dose of 600 mg/m2. Nine of 17 patients received at least 600 mg/m2. While nephrotoxicity was similar to previous reports of the five-day schedule, the incidence and severity of myelosuppression and peripheral neuropathy were markedly reduced. Using this modified schedule, severe myelosuppression did not occur. Clinically severe peripheral neuropathy developed in only one patient (6%). The overall response rate was 47% (eight of 17 patients). Plasma platinum pharmacokinetics during five cycles of the modified day 1 and 8 schedule were compared with pharmacokinetics of the five-day schedule. Accumulation of plasma ultrafiltrate platinum occurred in the five-day schedule, but not in the day 1 and 8 schedule. This difference in pharmacokinetics is one possible explanation for the reduced toxicity of this modified schedule. Although the degree of activity seen in this pilot study is encouraging, the efficacy of high-dose CDDP in NSCLC remains to be defined. In view of reduced myelosuppression and neurotoxicity, further trials with this modified schedule are indicated.

Prednimustine in refractory non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: a phase II study of the Northern California Oncology Group

Fifty-six patients with advanced non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) were entered into a phase II study of prednimustine, an ester of chlorambucil and prednisolone. All patients were refractory to extensive prior combination chemotherapy. Therapy with prednimustine, 100 mg/m2/day orally, was given for three consecutive days every 2 weeks. The overall response rate in 43 evaluable patients was 30% (13/43), with 9% (4/43) achieving complete response (CR) and 21% (9/43) achieving partial response (PR). In the favorable histology subgroup (23 patients), the response rate was 39% (9/23), with 4% (1/23) achieving CR and 35% (8/23) achieving PR. In the unfavorable histology subgroup (20 patients), responses were seen in 20% (4/20) with 15% (3/20) achieving CR, all in heavily pretreated diffuse histiocytic lymphoma. Toxicity of this regimen was mild, with leukopenia below 3,000/mm3 in 22% and thrombocytopenia below 90,000/mm3 in 16% of patients. A positive correlation was observed between response and hematologic toxicity, indicating the potential for a dose-escalation schedule in future trials. These data confirm activity of prednimustine in NHL refractory to standard treatment. In view of its relatively mild toxicity, we conclude that prednimustine is an appropriate agent to test in combination chemotherapy regimens in this group of lymphomas.

Hepatic dysfunction and jaundice following high-dose cytosine arabinoside

Two patients with poor-prognosis leukemia were treated with high-dose cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C), 3 g/m2, for induction. Both patients developed serious jaundice in the second posttreatment week. Clinically, the jaundice was characterized by conjugated hyperbilirubinemia, normal amino transferase levels, significant elevation of alkaline phosphatase, and no evidence of obstruction. Microscopic examination of the liver showed only passive congestion with blood, and no bile lakes or plugs. This was believed to be most consistent with drug-induced intrahepatic cholestasis, possibly as a result of injury to the hepatocyte transport system.

Upper abdominal computerized tomography scanning in staging non-small cell lung carcinoma

During preoperative staging the authors performed upper abdominal computed tomographic (CT) scanning in 38 patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma. Five of the 38 patients had occult adrenal metastases based on CT images. Two of these five patients, who would otherwise have been surgical candidates for definitive thoracotomy, underwent percutaneous fine-needle aspiration cytology of the suspected adrenal metastases. Cytology results in both cases were positive for metastatic carcinoma, thereby precluding thoracotomy. Upper abdominal CT scanning may optimize preoperative staging of selected non-small cell lung cancer patients.

Prolymphocytic leukemia. Serial responses to therapy

Prolymphocytic leukemia is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by marked lymphocytosis, massive splenomegaly, minimal lymphadenopathy, and poor prognosis. Previous reports have noted very short survival, and poor response to single agent alkylator chemotherapy. A small number of reports have shown response to combination chemotherapy regimens including Adriamycin (doxorubicin). A case of prolymphocytic leukemia with serial responses to combination chemotherapy and splenectomy resulting in significant prolongation of survival is reported.

Morbidity in long-term survivors of small cell carcinoma of the lung

The follow-up of eight patients who were alive and disease-free for at least 12 months following completion of therapy for small cell carcinoma of the lung (SCC) is presented. One patient is alive and well. Five patients (62%), including two with acute leukemia, died of second malignancies. One patient died with late recurrence of SCC, and one patient died of an unexplained neurologic degenerative disease with dementia. It is concluded that patients with apparent cure of SCC are at high risk for serious disorders including second malignancies.