Docetaxel administered on a weekly basis for metastatic breast cancer

Weekly Docetaxel in Pretreated Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients: A Phase I-II Study

OBJECTIVE

We conducted a phase I-II study to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), toxicity and activity of weekly docetaxel administration in pretreated metastatic breast cancer patients.

METHODS

In phase I, cohorts of 3 women with pretreated metastatic breast cancer were treated with a 1-hour infusion of docetaxelat 30, 35, 40 mg/m2/week after premedication with two doses of dexamethazone 8 mg 12 h apart. Subsequently, a cohort of 28 women was treated at the MTD for 24 consecutive weeks in a phase II setting and was assessed for toxicity and activity.

RESULTS

Three patients were treated at each of the first two dose levels; 9 patients were treated at the 3rd level (40 mg/m2/week). Dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) were experienced at that level by 2/6 patients of the first two accrued groups and in 2/3 patients of the 3rd (confirmation) group, thus establishing the subsequent phase II dose at 35 mg/m2/week. Two out of 28 evaluable patients (7.1%, 95% CI 0-16.7) showed complete responses, whereas 8 (28.6%, 95% CI 11.8-45.3) showed partial responses, and an objective response rate of 35.7% (95% confidence interval, CI 18-53.5%). In addition, 8 patients (28.6%) had stable disease. The median time to progression and overall survival were 5 (range 1-15) and 15 months (95% CI 7-23), respectively. One patient experienced 1 episode of grade 3 neutropenia. Severe asthenia was the main reason for interruption of chemotherapy (10 patients, 35.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

In pretreated metastatic breast cancer patients, the sustained weekly administration of docetaxel, even though it demonstrated an activity similar to a 3-weekly schedule could not be maintained for the planned 24 weeks due to the progressive emergence of nonhematological side effects that approached DLTs.

Botulinum toxin for palliative treatment of epiphora in a patient with canalicular obstruction

OBJECTIVE

To describe the use of botulinum toxin injection of the lacrimal gland for palliative treatment of epiphora secondary to canalicular obstruction from docetaxel therapy.

DESIGN

Case report.

INTERVENTION

A 50-year-old female with bilateral canalicular obstruction secondary to docetaxel therapy received botulinum toxin injections (5 units each) into the lacrimal glands of both eyes.

RESULTS

Symptomatic epiphora of the affected eyes was reduced after 2 weeks. No side effects were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Botulinum toxin injection of the lacrimal gland is an effective palliative treatment for epiphora secondary to canalicular obstruction from docetaxel therapy.

Docetaxel administration schedule: from fever to tears? A review of randomised studies

The anti-cancer agent docetaxel is approved for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and for the treatment of androgen-independent prostate cancer. At the recommended dose of 60-100 mg/m2 given every 3 weeks, severe neutropenia is the dose-limiting toxicity and a major concern especially when treating patients at high-risk from myelotoxic complications. A less toxic schedule, involving weekly docetaxel administration was developed for patients with poor performance status, multiple comorbidities, poor haematological reserves or those who were heavily pre-treated, elderly or patients for whom palliation is the focus of treatment. Recent randomised trials allow a comparison of efficacy and toxicity between weekly and 3-weekly treatments. Efficacy appears to be similar for the two schedules regardless of the disease while weekly docetaxel is significantly less myelotoxic. However, this benefit comes at the cost of cumulative increases in hyperlacrimation, skin- and nail-toxicity and negatively affects quality of life. Currently, 3-weekly docetaxel remains the standard schedule for treatment, whereas the weekly schedule offers a possibility of treatment individualisation for those patients where the risk of myelosuppression is considered unacceptable.

Safety and biologic activity of intravenous BCL-2 antisense oligonucleotide (G3139) and taxane chemotherapy in patients with advanced cancer

G3139 is a BCL-2 antisense oligonucleotide whose antitumor effects in preclinical models are enhanced when combined with taxane-based chemotherapy. This trial determined the safety and biologic activity of G3139 given with paclitaxel and docetaxel for the treatment of progressive solid tumors. Three cohorts of patients received weekly paclitaxel 100 mg/m2 on days 1, 8, and 15 concurrently with a 21-day continuous infusion of G3139 at 4.1, 5.3, and 6.9 mg/kg/d, depending on the cohort. Two subsequent cohorts received docetaxel (75 mg/m2) on day 5 of a 5-day infusion of G3139 at 5 or 7 mg/kg/d. Bcl-2 protein levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were assayed on an exploratory basis. Fifteen patients were treated. Eight received a total of 14 cycles of G3139 and paclitaxel; seven received a total of 22 cycles of G3139 and docetaxel. Eight patients required dose modifications for either grade 4 neutropenia (6 patients) or grade 1-2 reversible transaminitis (2 patients). No radiographic responses were seen, although two of the six taxane-naive prostate cancer patients exhibited a prostate-specific antigen decline greater than 50%. Bcl-2 protein levels in PBMCs declined with treatment as assessed by immunohistochemistry. The authors conclude that G3139, whether given as a 5- or 21-day infusion, is well tolerated with taxane chemotherapy and is biologically active by immunohistochemistry at doses up to and including 7 mg/kg/d, using weekly paclitaxel (100 mg/m2) or docetaxel every 3 weeks (75 mg/m2). These data support the dose selection of ongoing phase 2 studies of G3139 at 7 mg/kg/d and docetaxel 75 mg/m2.

Weekly docetaxel/carboplatin as primary systemic therapy for HER2-negative locally advanced breast cancer

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of weekly docetaxel/carboplatin as primary systemic therapy (PST) for locally advanced breast cancer, we conducted a phase II study. Forty-four patients with HER2-negative locally advanced or inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) received docetaxel 35 mg/m(2) and carboplatin to an area under the curve of 2 mg/mL/min for 3 of 4 weeks over 16 weeks. After completion of PST, patients had breast surgery and then received 4 cycles of adjuvant cyclophosphamide/doxorubicin, standard radiation therapy, and, for hormone receptorpositive tumors, tamoxifen. The mean tumor size was 9.3 cm (range, 5-24 cm). Thirty-seven patients (85%) had palpable lymph nodes; 13 patients (30%) had matted or fixed nodes (N2). Eight patients had IBC. There were 11 clinical complete responses (25%) and 29 clinical partial responses (66%), resulting in 40 objective responses (91% [95% CI, 78%-96%]). Invasive disease disappeared (pathologic complete response) from the breast and axilla in 6 patients (14% [95% CI, 5%-27%]) and from the axilla in 17 patients (39% [95% CI, 24%-55%]). The only significant adverse hematologic event was grade 3 neutropenia in 4 patients (9%). The most common adverse nonhematologic events were fatigue (84% of patients) and alopecia (84%), which were usually grade 1/2. Weekly docetaxel/carboplatin appears to be active and feasible as PST in patients with large breast tumors.

Phase I clinical and pharmacokinetic trial of docetaxel and irinotecan administered on a weekly schedule

BACKGROUND

Docetaxel and irinotecan are synergistic agents with a broad spectrum of activity but overlapping myelosuppression. The study was designed to maintain dose intensity while limiting myelosuppression. The objectives of this study were to determine the maximal tolerated dose (MTD) of the combination of docetaxel and irinotecan administered weekly for four consecutive weeks every 42 days, to describe toxicities of this regimen, and to perform a pharmacokinetic analysis to evaluate changes in drug disposition as a function of dose as well as repeated dosing.

METHODS

Adult patients with advanced solid tumors were treated with docetaxel followed by irinotecan. Doses of 30/50, 35/50, 35/66, 30/57, 30/65, 30/80 mg/m(2), respectively, were studied. Pharmacokinetics of docetaxel, irinotecan and SN-38 in plasma were determined on days 1 and 22 by a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay.

RESULTS

A total of 35 patients were treated. The MTD was docetaxel 30 mg/m(2) plus irinotecan 65 mg/m(2). Diarrhea was the dose-limiting toxicity; myelosuppression and other non-hematological toxicities were uncommon and mild. There were no significant differences in pharmacokinetic parameters between day 1 and day 22 (n=20). Five objective responses (breast, stomach and unknown primary) were observed among 30 evaluable patients. In addition, eight patients achieved stable disease.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of weekly docetaxel and irinotecan is a well tolerated regimen and should be explored in phase II trials. This schedule maintains dose intensity and has limited myelosuppression.

A multicentre, randomised phase II study of weekly or 3-weekly docetaxel in patients with metastatic breast cancer

BACKGROUND

A phase II randomised trial was conducted to evaluate the tolerability and activity of weekly or 3-weekly docetaxel in patients with metastatic breast cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eighty-three patients with histologically proven metastatic breast cancer were randomised to receive either docetaxel 40 mg/m2 weekly for 6 consecutive weeks followed by 2 weeks without treatment (n = 41), or docetaxel 100 mg/m2 on day 1 every 3 weeks (n = 42).

RESULTS

The incidence of all grade 3-4 adverse events was higher in the 3-weekly group than in the weekly group (96 versus 44), and the number of patients with grade 3-4 adverse events was also greater in the 3-weekly group (31 versus 20). Analysis of individual adverse events tended to favour the weekly regimen. Intent-to-treat overall response rate was 34% and 33% in the weekly and 3-weekly groups, respectively. Median time to progression was 5.7 and 5.3 months after weekly and 3-weekly docetaxel, respectively, and median time to treatment failure was 4.1 and 4.9 months, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Weekly docetaxel is an active regimen in metastatic breast cancer with comparable efficacy to 3 weekly docetaxel. Although both schedules were well tolerated, weekly docetaxel appears to have a more favourable toxicity profile.

High efficacy and low toxicity of weekly docetaxel given as first-line treatment for metastatic breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Docetaxel is one of the most effective antitumor agents currently available for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer (MBC). This phase II multicenter study prospectively analyzed the efficacy and toxicity of docetaxel given on a weekly schedule as first-line treatment of metastatic breast cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All patients received docetaxel, 35 mg/m(2) weekly for 6 weeks, followed by 2 weeks of rest. Subsequent cycles (3 weeks of treatment, 2 weeks of rest) were given until a maximum of 5 cycles or disease progression. Premedication consisted of 8 mg dexamethasone intravenously 30 min prior to the infusion of docetaxel.

RESULTS

Fifty-four patients at a median age of 58 years with previously untreated MBC were included in the study. A median of 10 doses (median cumulative dose 339 mg/m(2)) was administered (range: 2-18). The overall response rate was 48.1% (95% CI: 34-61%, intent-to-treat). Median survival was 15.8 months and median time to progression was 5.9 months (intent-to-treat). Hematological toxicity was mild with absence of neutropenia-related complications. Grade 3 neutropenia was observed in 3.7% of patients and grade 3 and 4 anemia was observed in 5.6 and 1.9% of patients, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The weekly administration of docetaxel is highly efficient and safe as first-line treatment for MBC and may serve as an important treatment option specifically in elderly patients and patients with a reduced performance status.

Weekly docetaxel and vinorelbine (VIN-DOX) as first line treatment in patients with hormone refractory prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

The current study investigated the clinical benefit, the impact on biochemical and objective response and tolerability of weekly docetaxel with vinorelbine (VIN-DOX) in symptomatic patients with hormone refractory prostate cancer (HRPC).

METHODS

Patients were treated with docetaxel 25 mg/m2 and vinorelbine 20 mg/m2, intravenously for 6 consecutive weeks followed by a 2 week rest repeatedly until disease progression. Clinical benefit evaluations, based on Karnofsky performance status (KPS) and pain measure, were assessed weekly during therapy. A clinical benefit response was defined as a sustained (> or =4 weeks) improvements in one of these parameters. Changes in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, tumoral response and toxicity also were evaluated.

RESULTS

19 men (median age 68 years), were treated. Overall, 42% of patients achieved a KPS significant change and positive pain response; 47% achieved a 50% or greater reduction in PSA. The objective response rate was observed in 2 of 9 patients with measurable disease (22%). The most important toxicity was neutropenia (Grade 3 = 32%).

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of weekly VIN-DOX appears to be feasible. VIN-DOX was found to be associated with improvement in clinical benefit response and biochemical response and well tolerated as first line treatment in HRPC.

A phase II trial of weekly docetaxel in patients with platinum-resistant epithelial ovarian, primary peritoneal serous cancer, or fallopian tube cancer

OBJECTIVE

To determine the activity and tolerability of weekly docetaxel in patients with platinum-resistant mullerian origin tumors.

METHODS

Patients with persistent disease, or those recurring less than 6 months after receiving platinum-containing therapy, were eligible for this phase II study. Docetaxel was initially administered at a dose of 40 mg/m(2) on days 1, 8, and 15, with a cycle length of 28 days. This starting dose was subsequently reduced to 30 mg/m(2) due to toxicity. Dexamethasone prophylaxis was administered at a dose of 4 mg PO every 12 hours for 3 doses, starting 12 hours before each dose of docetaxel.

RESULTS

Thirty-two patients were enrolled, with a median age of 59 years. The majority of patients received a median of 3 prior regimens, with 45% of the study group having received 4 or more prior regimens. The overall response rate in 29 evaluable patients was 6.9%, with no complete responses. Seventeen percent of patients experienced stable disease. Dose reduction or delay was required in 10 of the first 22 patients enrolled, prompting a reduction in the starting dose to 30 mg/m(2). Hematologic toxicity was generally tolerable, and no patient experienced febrile neutropenia. Non-hematologic toxicity was generally grade 1 in nature, although a combination of multiple low grade toxicities occurring in an individual patient oftentimes mandated dose reduction.

CONCLUSIONS

Weekly docetaxel demonstrated modest activity in a heavily pre-treated, platinum-resistant population. A starting docetaxel dose of 30 mg/m(2) would be reasonable for future studies exploring the utility of weekly dosing in less heavily pre-treated patients.

Practical aspects of weekly docetaxel administration schedules

Docetaxel (Taxotere; Aventis Pharmaceuticals Inc.; Bridgewater, NJ) is a highly effective chemotherapeutic agent with proven efficacy in a number of solid tumors. However, myelosuppression can be a substantial concern when docetaxel is administered every 3 weeks. Myelosuppression can be particularly problematic in older patients and those being treated with palliative intent. Weekly dosing of docetaxel has been investigated in an effort to reduce toxicity and has been identified as a safe and effective regimen in clinical trials. Weekly docetaxel is generally administered at doses ranging from 30-40 mg/m(2)/week for 6 of 8 weeks or for 3 of 4 weeks. With weekly dosing, though efficacy is comparable, myelosuppression is substantially less, and the overall tolerability profile is better than with every-3-week dosing. Fatigue is a common toxicity associated with weekly docetaxel; other adverse effects that are seen in a minority of patients include hyperlacrimation, nail toxicity, and alopecia. These side effects are dose related and can generally be managed through dose reductions or alterations in the weekly schedule. Because of the favorable tolerability profile, weekly docetaxel is under investigation in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents and with novel targeted agents in a variety of tumor types. The results of these ongoing studies will further define the place of weekly docetaxel in cancer therapy.

Metronomic low-dose chemotherapy as antiangiogenic therapeutic strategy for cancer. Metronomische niedrig-dosierte Chemotherapie als antiangiogene Therapiestrategie fur Tumorerkrankungen

New blood vessel formation is essential for the growth and metastasis of many cancers. As a result, antitumor activities of various angiogenesis inhibitors have been intensely explored in various tumors. Recent preclinical studies suggest that certain conventional cytotoxic agents can function as antiangiogenic drugs when administered at comparatively low doses on a continuous or very frequent schedule. Such antiangiogenic 'metronomic' scheduling of chemotherapy without extended rest periods has been shown to exert significant therapeutic antitumor efficacy with very limited toxicity in different tumor models. Combining metronomic low-dose chemotherapy regimens with specific angiogenesis inhibitors further increases efficacy. Based on the promising preclinical studies, it is anticipated that metronomic chemotherapy in combination with angiogenesis inhibitors will prove effective in clinical trials in terms of survival prolongation. While considerable progress may derive from larger randomized clinical studies, only joint efforts between basic and clinical research will ultimately advance the new paradigm of long-term metronomic antiangiogenic chemotherapy, which carries the prospect of turning cancer into a more controllable chronic disease at minimal toxicity.

The efficacy of docetaxel and cisplatin combination chemotherapy for the treatment of advanced gastric cancer after failing to 5-fluorouracil based chemotherapy

PURPOSE

This study was conducted to confirm the efficacy and toxicity of docetaxel and cisplatin combination chemotherapy (DP) in patients with advanced gastric cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with measurable gastric adenocarcinoma received intravenous docetaxel 75 mg/m(2) and cisplatin 75 mg/m(2) with premedication on day 1, which was repeated every 3 weeks. All patients received DP as a second-line treatment after failing to 5-FU based chemotherapy.

RESULTS

34 patients were enrolled in this study between January 1998 and August 2003. A total of 112 cycles (median 3 cycles) were administered. Responses were evaluable in 30 patients. The objective response rate was 16.7% (95% CI: 3.5 approximately 30.3), with a stable disease in 56.7% (95% CI: 40.0 approximately 74.4) and a progressive disease in 26.7% (95% CI: 10.9 approximately 42.5) of patients, with a median follow up duration of 20 months for all the patients, The median duration of response, time to progression and overall survival were 2.1 months (95% CI: 0.4 approximately 3.9), 4.2 months (95% CI: 2.3 approximately 6.1) and 6.8 months (95% CI: 1.3 approximately 12.3), respectively, with a 1-year survival rate of 32%. The toxicity was evaluated in 30 patients, with neutropenia being most common. Renal impairment was seen in two patients with grade 3 creatinine elevation and liver enzyme elevation in four with grades 3 and 4.

CONCLUSION

Although DP was an active combination regimen, with a tumor control rate of about 73% and with moderate tolerance, adjustment of the administration schedule, with further evaluation of other combination chemotherapies of docetaxel with new agents, other than cisplatin, seem warranted.

The role of the liposomal anthracyclines and other systemic therapies in the management of advanced breast cancer

For patients whose breast cancers are not responsive to endocrine therapy, there are a large number of cytotoxic drugs that will induce a response. In spite of the introduction of new, very active drugs such as the taxanes, vinorelbine, capecitabine, gemcitabine, and trastuzumab, the anthracyclines are still as active as any--and more active than most--drugs used to treat breast cancer. Their inclusion in combinations to treat early and advanced disease prolongs survival. However, they cause nausea, vomiting, alopecia, myelosuppression, mucositis, and cardiomyopathies. There is no evidence that increasing the dose of conventional anthracyclines or any other of the cytotoxics beyond standard doses will improve outcomes. Schedule may be more important than dose in determining the benefit of cytotoxics used to treat breast cancer. Weekly schedules and continuous infusions of 5-fluorouracil and doxorubicin may have some advantages over more intermittent schedules. Liposomal formations of doxorubicin reduce toxicity, including cardiotoxicity; theoretically they should also be more effective because of better targeting of tumor over normal tissues. Both pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (Doxil/Caelyx [PLD]) and liposomal doxorubicin (Myocet [NPLD]) appeared to be as effective as conventional doxorubicin and much less toxic in multiple phase II and phase III studies. PLD has been evaluated in combinations with cyclophosphamide, the taxanes, vinorelbine, gemcitabine, and trastuzumab, and NPLD has been evaluated in combination with cyclophosphamide and trastuzumab. Both liposomal anthracyclines are less cardiotoxic than conventional doxorubicin. The optimal dose of PLD is lower than that of conventional doxorubicin or NPLD. Patients treated with PLD have almost no alopecia, nausea, or vomiting, but its use is associated with stomatitis and hand-foot syndrome, which can be avoided or minimized with the use of proper dose-schedules. In contrast, the optimal dose-schedule of NPLD is nearly identical to that of conventional doxorubicin. The toxicity profile of NPLD is similar to that of conventional doxorubicin, but toxicities are less severe and NPLD is better tolerated than conventional doxorubicin at higher doses.

A phase I trial of a Bcl-2 antisense (G3139) and weekly docetaxel in patients with advanced breast cancer and other solid tumors

PURPOSE

Expression of the Bcl-2 protein confers resistance to various apoptotic signals. G3139 [oblimersen sodium (Genasense)] is a phosphorothioate antisense oligodeoxynucleotide that targets Bcl-2 mRNA, downregulates Bcl-2 protein translation, and enhances the antitumor effects of subtherapeutic doses of docetaxel (Taxotere).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a phase I trial to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and safety profile of combined therapy with G3139 and weekly docetaxel in patients with advanced Bcl-2-positive solid tumors. Cohorts of three to six patients were enrolled to escalating doses of G3139 and a fixed dose of weekly docetaxel using either of two schedules. In part I, G3139 was administered by continuous infusion for 21 days (D1-22), and docetaxel (35 mg/m2) was given weekly on days 8, 15 and 22. In part II, G3139 was given by continuous infusion for 5 days before the first weekly dose of docetaxel, and for 48 h before the second and third weekly docetaxel doses. For both schedules, cycles were repeated every 4 weeks.

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients were enrolled. Thirteen patients were treated on the part I schedule with doses of G3139 escalated from 1 to 4 mg/kg/day. Nine patients were on the part II schedule of shorter G3139 infusion at G3139 doses of 5-9 mg/kg/day. Hematologic toxicities were mild, except for one case of persistent grade 3 thrombocytopenia in part I. The most common adverse events were cumulative fatigue and transaminase elevation, which prevented further dose escalation beyond 4 mg/kg/day for 21 days with the part I schedule. In part II of the study, using the abbreviated G3139 schedule, even the highest daily doses were tolerated without dose-limiting toxicity or the need for dose modification. Objective tumor response was observed in two patients with breast cancer, including one whose cancer previously progressed on trastuzumab plus paclitaxel. Four patients had stable disease. Pharmacokinetic results for G3139 were similar to those of other trials.

CONCLUSIONS

G3139 in combination with standard-dose weekly docetaxel was well tolerated. The shortened and intermittent G3139 infusion had less cumulative toxicities and still allowed similar total G3139 delivery as the longer infusion. Further studies should examine the molecular effect of the regimen, as well as clinical activities in malignancies for which taxanes are indicated.

Final Results of a Phase II Clinical Trial of Weekly Docetaxel in Combination with Capecitabine in Anthracycline-Pretreated Metastatic Breast Cancer

The addition of capecitabine to docetaxel on a 3-week schedule resulted in superior response rate, increased time to progression (TTP), and improved overall survival in patients with anthracycline-pretreated metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Because the toxicity profile of weekly docetaxel differs from the standard 21-day docetaxel schedule, we performed a phase I/II trial to test the efficacy and safety of weekly docetaxel in combination with capecitabine given for 14 days every 21 days. The phase I study identified the doses of docetaxel (30 mg/m2 weekly) and capecitabine (900 mg/m2 twice daily on days 1-14 every 21 days) used in phase II. Twenty female patients with measurable or assessable MBC were enrolled. Eighteen patients had previously received anthracyclines; 2 had contraindications to anthracyclines. Patients remained on study for a maximum of eight 3-week cycles or until tumor progression or unacceptable toxicity occurred; response assessments were scheduled after cycle 2, 5, and 8. Seventeen patients were assessed after cycle 2; 3 subjects (18%) had a partial response (PR), 9 had stable disease (53%; SD), and 5 patients (29%) had progressive disease (PD). Ten patients were assessable after cycle 5. Two patients (20%) had a PR, 5 patients (50%) had SD, and 3 patients (30%) had PD. The most common grade 3 toxicities were nail loss (45%), asthenia (30%), and hand-foot syndrome (30%), and toxicities led to study discontinuation in 10 patients. The median time to treatment failure was 10 weeks and median TTP was 26 weeks. The median duration of response was 9 weeks and the median duration of SD was 16 weeks. The median overall survival was 82 weeks. This schedule of weekly docetaxel in combination with day 1-14 capecitabine has activity; however, toxicity discourages the use of this schedule in lieu of the standard docetaxel/capecitabine regimen.

Phase II Study of Feasibility of Dose-Dense FEC Followed by Alternating Weekly Taxanes in High-Risk, Four or More Node-Positive Breast Cancer

PURPOSE

To develop a potentially superior adjuvant chemotherapy regimen, we conducted a pilot study of dose-dense 5-fluorouracil, epirubicin, and cyclophosphamide (FEC) followed by weekly alternating taxanes. The primary objective was to determine the feasibility of the regimen; the secondary objective was to estimate the disease-free and overall survival.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Patients with >/=4 node-positive breast cancer were studied. Treatment consisted of FEC at 500/100/500 mg/m(2), respectively, x6 at two-week intervals with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, followed by weekly paclitaxel (80 mg/m(2)) alternating with docetaxel (35 mg/m(2)) x18.

RESULTS

Between November 2001 and January 2003, 44 patients were enrolled. Median age was 46 years (range, 26-63 years), median number of positive nodes was 9 (range, 4-32), and median tumor size was 2.5 cm (range, 0.6-11.0 cm). Because of unexpected toxicities, the study was stopped when 17 (39%) had fully completed all of the planned treatment. Two of 17 (12%) developed grade 4 pericardial/grade 3 bilateral pleural effusions at treatment completion; both required pericardial window. The remaining patients were treated with taxanes using one of several standard dose and schedule combinations. Furthermore, 4 of 44 (9%) developed pneumonitis attributed to the FEC regimen. Hospital admissions were required for 12 of 44 (27%); 3 of 44 (7%) required blood transfusions. There were no treatment related deaths. Median disease-free and overall survival will not be estimatable because of early closure of study.

CONCLUSION

FEC x6 at 2-week intervals followed by 18 weeks of alternating taxanes is not feasible at the doses tested. Other strategies are needed to improve adjuvant systemic chemotherapy.

Docetaxel and paclitaxel in the treatment of breast cancer: a review of clinical experience

In the 10 years since their initial licensing in Europe, the taxanes, paclitaxel and docetaxel, have emerged as fundamental drugs in the treatment of breast cancer. Clinically meaningful benefits were first shown in the metastatic setting, and large-scale exploration of their roles in the adjuvant therapy of early-stage disease is ongoing. Benefits have been seen in the neoadjuvant setting as well, mainly with docetaxel. This paper reviews the current roles of the taxanes in the treatment of metastatic and early-stage breast cancer. Also addressed are outstanding issues involving optimal dosing and sequencing, as well as a discussion of the relative merits of each agent in this setting. Clinicians should choose a taxane-based regimen for their patients with breast cancer based on consideration of the pharmacokinetics, clinical activity, and dosing schedule that best meets the patients' needs. At the current time, the pharmacokinetic profile, consistent positive clinical results, and convenience of an intermittent, short-infusion schedule have made docetaxel the preferred taxane for many clinicians treating patients with breast cancer.

Preclinical pharmacology of the taxanes: implications of the differences

Taxanes are one of the most powerful classes of compounds among all chemotherapeutic drugs. Only 30 years separate the isolation of the first taxane from the results of direct clinical comparisons in metastatic breast, ovarian, and lung cancer between the two taxanes available in routine clinical practice. These results suggest a more favorable benefit-to-risk ratio for docetaxel compared to paclitaxel when these drugs are used as single agents or in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents in an every-3-week dosing regimen. Pharmacological data support the difference between the taxanes, likely explaining the clinical results. Considering the molecular pharmacology of the two drugs, docetaxel appears to bind to beta-tubulin with greater affinity and has a wider cell cycle activity than paclitaxel. Docetaxel also appears to have direct antitumoral activity via an apoptotic effect mediated by bcl-2 phosphorylation. In addition, docetaxel has a longer retention time in tumor cells than paclitaxel because of greater uptake and slower efflux. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the taxanes show both agents to be extensively metabolized in the liver, and paclitaxel has a nonlinear pharmacokinetic behavior while docetaxel has linear pharmacokinetics. These differences explain the more simple treatment schedule and favorable results for docetaxel as a single agent and in combination therapy. Last, but not least, there is a pharmacokinetic interaction between paclitaxel and the anthracyclines, an active class of compounds commonly used in the treatment of breast cancer. This pharmacokinetic interaction is associated with greater cardio- and myelotoxicities, which are sequence dependent. These pharmacological data likely explain the different clinical development strategies for the two molecules as well as the different clinical results from individual trials and direct comparisons.

Safety and Activity of the Combination of Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin and Weekly Docetaxel in Advanced Breast Cancer

BACKGROUND

The present study was designed with the aim of evaluating the tolerability and activity of pegylated liposomial doxorubicin (PLD) in combination with weekly docetaxel as first line treatment of advanced breast cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Fifty-seven patients entered the study. PLD was administered at escalating doses starting from 30 mg/m2, on day 1; docetaxel was administered at the fixed dose of 35 mg/m2 on days 2 and 9. A cycle of therapy consisted of 21 days.

RESULTS

The MTD was achieved at the dose of 40 mg/m2 of PLD, being febrile neutropenia and palmar-plantar-erythrodisesthesia (PPE) the dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs), so that the fixed dose of PLD for the Phase II study was 35 mg/m2. Forty-two consecutive patients received treatment at the established dose for a total of 194 cycles: among these, three patients were withdrawn for severe allergic reaction at the first administration of PLD. Hematological toxicity was moderate, the most common grade 1-3 non-hematological toxicities were stomatitis and PPE, occurring in 20 (47.5%) and 16 (38%) patients, respectively. No cardiac toxicity was recorded. According to the intent to treat analysis a major objective response was observed in 59.5% of patients (95% CI, 43.3-74.4%), with a median time to progression of 9 months and an estimated overall survival at 18 months of 62%.

CONCLUSION

The combination of PLD and weekly docetaxel is an effective first-line therapy for patients with advanced breast cancer. PPE and mucositis are the most relevant side effects of such a combination.

Weekly regimen of irinotecan/docetaxel in previously treated non-small cell lung cancer patients and correlation with uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) polymorphism

PURPOSE

Inherited variations in drug metabolizing enzymes may influence drug efficacy. This phase II study assesses the impact of second-line weekly irinotecan (CPT-11)/docetaxel in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, and gauges the uridine diphosphate glucuronosyl transferase (UGT1A1) polymorphism influence in toxicity and antitumor activity.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Fifty-one patients with NSCLC treated with at least one prior chemotherapy regimen were enrolled. Patients received irinotecan 70 mg/m(2) followed by docetaxel 25 mg/m(2). Both drugs were given on days 1, 8, and 15 every 28 days. UGT1A1 polymorphism were analyzed in blood samples of 47 patients. The UGT1A1 polymorphism are classified according to the number of TA repeats in the promoter region of this gene.

RESULTS

Three patients (6%) achieved a partial response and nineteen patients (37%) had stable disease. Median survival was 8 months (95% CI: 4.8-11.2) and 1-year survival 30%. Grade 3-4 hematologic toxicity was low (less than 10% of patients); 15% of patients had grade 3 asthenia and 25% of patients had grade 3/4 diarrhea. The frequency of UGT1A1 genotypes was as follows: 6/6 49%, 6/7 36%, and 7/7 15%. No differences in toxicity were observed according to UGT1A1 polymorphism. A nonsignificant improvement in time to progression (4 vs. 3 months) and median survival (11 vs. 8 months) was detected in patients with the variant alleles (6/7 and 7/7).

CONCLUSIONS

This weekly irinotecan/docetaxel regimen has shown an acceptable toxicity profile while encouraging median and 1-year survival in heavily pretreated NSCLC patients. The tendency to better prognosis in patients carrying the variant genotypes 6/7 and 7/7 of UGT1A1 gene requires further validation.

Nail changes during docetaxel containing combination chemotherapy

Nail toxicity following systemic chemotherapy is common. Onychopathy during the period of neutropenia following chemotherapy may cause subungual abscesses and serious infection. Despite taxoid-related toxicity being increasingly reported since 2000, there are still phase II systemic chemotherapy studies using taxoid that have never mentioned nail changes. Recently, new criteria for the evaluation of nail toxicity have been suggested. The present report is the first of its kind, in Korea, to describe a case of docetaxel-associated onychopathy, which improved following a reduction in the docetaxel dose.

Taxanes in elderly breast cancer patients

Breast cancer in elderly patients (70+) is a major health problem that will only increase in the future. Besides adequate local treatment and hormone therapy, there can be an indication for chemotherapy in this patient group. Due to concerns of excessive toxicity, there is often a defeatist attitude towards chemotherapy in elderly patients. As taxanes are considered to be the most effective drugs in breast cancer, and as the weekly regimens seem at least as effective as the 3-weekly regimens but with less toxicity, these weekly regimens are very attractive for elderly breast cancer patients. Many different doses have been used for the weekly taxane regimens in phase II trials. Although large comparative studies are lacking, pharmacological studies are suggestive for a decreased clearance of both paclitaxel and docetaxel in elderly patients compared to non-elderly patients. It seems therefore safe to use the lower range of proposed doses of the weekly regimens until further data provide stronger evidence for optimal dosing in elderly patients. A dose of paclitaxel 80 mg/m(2)/week and docetaxel 36 mg/m(2)/week seems tolerable for elderly patients without excessive toxicity and with impressive response rates. The dose limiting toxicity for 3-weekly taxanes, severe neutropaenia, is generally very limited in weekly regimens, also in the elderly or frail patients. However, neuropathy (paclitaxel) or fatigue and fluid retention (docetaxel) can be troublesome, and eventually require dose modifications. In general however, weekly taxanes are a reasonable option for older patients with metastatic breast cancer.

Phase II study of weekly docetaxel alone or in combination with trastuzumab in patients with metastatic breast cancer

This study was designed to determine the efficacy and toxicity of weekly docetaxel in metastatic breast cancer when given alone (for HER2/neu negative disease) or with trastuzumab (for HER2/neu overexpressing disease). Patients with metastatic breast carcinoma received docetaxel given on 2 different schedules (group 1A, 33 mg/m2 weekly [n = 21]; group 1B, 40 mg/m2 weekly for 3 weeks with 1 week off [n = 14]). Patients with HER2/neu overexpressing disease also received trastuzumab 4 mg/kg on day 1, then 2 mg/kg on days 8 and 15 of each 28-day cycle (group 2). Fifty-two patients were treated with docetaxel alone (group 1A/B, n = 35) or in combination with trastuzumab (group 2, n = 17). Prior taxane therapy given every 3 weeks had been used for metastatic disease in 19 of 35 patients (54%) in group 1A/B and in 2 of 17 patients (12%) in group 2. The mean delivered dose intensity of docetaxel was 29 mg/m2 per week. Partial response occurred in 7 of 35 patients (21%; 95% exact binomial confidence interval [CI], 9%-38%) treated with docetaxel alone, including 3 of 19 taxane-pretreated patients (16%) and 4 of 16 taxane-naive patients (25%). Partial response occurred in 10 of 17 patients (59%; 95% CI, 34%-82%) treated with docetaxel/trastuzumab. The most common grade 3/4 toxicities, occurring in more than or equal to 10% of patients, included neutropenia (21%), pulmonary toxicity (12%), and hyperglycemia (10%). The median times to disease progression were 4.5 months (95% CI, 2.5-6.5 months) in the docetaxel group and 8.5 months (95% CI, 4.5-12.5 months) in the docetaxel/trastuzumab group. Weekly docetaxel/trastuzumab is an effective regimen for patients with HER2/neu overexpressing metastatic breast cancer. Weekly docetaxel may be effective in as many as 20% of patients who had progressive disease after treatment with taxanes given every 3 weeks.

Safety and efficacy of weekly docetaxel in frail and/or elderly patients with metastatic breast cancer: a phase II study

This phase II study was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of weekly docetaxel (36 mg/m) for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer in 47 frail and/or elderly patients who were ineligible for the standard 3-weekly docetaxel (100 mg/m) regimen. Reasons for ineligibility to the latter were age > or = 70 years (10 patients), poor hematological reserves (15 patients), impaired liver function (eight patients), intolerance to previous taxanes administered 3-weekly without demonstrated resistance (five patients) or any combination of these reasons (nine patients). There was a median of two prior chemotherapy regimens and more than 60% had a WHO performance score at baseline of 2-3. A total of 408 weekly administrations were given over a period of 525 weeks (78% of the intended dose intensity) and the median cumulative dose of docetaxel per patient was 278 mg/m. The incidence of serious adverse events was low. Grade 3 neutropenia occurred in six patients and grade 4 in four patients. Of these 10 patients, eight had pre-existing hematological abnormalities and four developed neutropenic fever. Neurotoxicity was mild and grade 3 paraesthesia occurred in one patient. The overall objective response rate in 37 evaluable patients was 30% and responses were observed in all subgroups of patients. We conclude that weekly docetaxel (36 mg/m) is active, safe and well tolerated in heavily pre-treated frail/elderly patients with poor prognostic features, including low performance scores and multiple metastatic sites, who would not be eligible for treatment with the standard 3-weekly regimen.

Docetaxel Combined With Trastuzumab Is an Active Regimen in HER-2 3+ Overexpressing and Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization–Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Multi-Institutional Phase II Trial

Purpose

To determine the efficacy and safety of weekly docetaxel and trastuzumab as first- or second-line therapy in women with HER-2–overexpressing metastatic breast cancer and to correlate the efficacy of trastuzumab with HER-2 status as determined by immunohistochemistry assay and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH).

Patients and Methods

Twenty-six women with HER-2–positive (HercepTest [Dako Corp, Carpenteria, CA]2 to 3+) metastatic breast cancer were enrolled onto this study of trastuzumab (4 mg/kg load; 2 mg/kg/wk administered intravenously) and docetaxel (35 mg/m2/wk for 6 weeks).

Results

Using an intent-to-treat analysis, the overall response rate was 50% (13 of 26 patients). Eight patients (31%) had a period of stable disease posttherapy. Among HER-2 3+ patients, the overall response rate was 63% (12 of 19 patients) compared with a 14% response rate (one of seven patients) for HER-2 2+ patients (P = .07). Patients with FISH-positive tumors experienced an overall response rate of 64%. Median time to progression was 12.4 months for the entire cohort (HER-2 3+ tumors, 12.3 months; HER-2 2+ lesions, 9.5 months) and median survival was 22.1 months. All HER-2 3+ patients were FISH-positive; the only HER-2 2+ patient responding to treatment was also FISH-positive. Grade 4 toxicities occurred in four patients; most toxicities were mild.

Conclusion

Trastuzumab plus docetaxel is an active and well-tolerated regimen in women with HER-2 3+ overexpressing or FISH-positive metastatic breast cancer.

Comparative pharmacokinetics of weekly and every-three-weeks docetaxel

PURPOSE

Weekly administration of docetaxel has demonstrated comparable efficacy together with a distinct toxicity profile with reduced myelosuppression, although pharmacokinetic data with weekly regimens are lacking. The comparative pharmacokinetics of docetaxel during weekly and once every 3 weeks (3-weekly) administration schedules were evaluated.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Forty-six patients received weekly docetaxel (35 mg/m(2)) as a 30-min infusion alone (n = 8) or in combination with irinotecan (n = 12), or in 3-weekly regimens, as a 1-h infusion at 60 mg/m(2) with doxorubicin (n = 10), 75 mg/m(2) alone (n = 9), or 100 mg/m(2) alone (n = 7). Serial blood samples were obtained immediately before and up to 21 days after the infusion. Plasma concentrations were measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and analyzed by compartmental modeling.

RESULTS

Mean +/- SD docetaxel clearance values were similar with weekly and 3-weekly schedules (25.2 +/- 7.7 versus 23.7 +/- 7.9 liter/h/m(2)); half-lives were also similar with both schedules of administration (16.5 +/- 11.2 versus 17.6 +/- 7.4 h). With extended plasma sampling beyond 24 h post-infusion, docetaxel clearance was 18% lower and the terminal half-life was 5-fold longer. At 35 mg/m(2), the mean +/- SD docetaxel concentration on day 8 was 0.00088 +/- 0.00041 microg/ml (1.08 +/- 0.51 nM) at 75 mg/m(2), concentrations on day 8, 15, and 22 were 0.0014 +/- 0.00043 microg/ml (1.79 +/- 0.53 nM), 0.00067 +/- 0.00025 microg/ml (0.83 +/- 0.31 nM), and 0.00047 +/- 0.00008 microg/ml (0.58 +/- 0.099 nM), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Docetaxel pharmacokinetics are similar for the weekly and 3-weekly regimens. Prolonged circulation of low nanomolar concentrations of docetaxel may contribute to the mechanism of action of docetaxel through suppression of microtubule dynamics and tumor angiogenesis and enhanced cell radiosensitivity in combined modality therapy.

Neurotoxicity of taxanes: symptoms and quality of life assessment

Paclitaxel (TXL) and docetaxel (TXT), especially TXL, cause neurotoxicity manifested as polyneuropathy. In clinical practice, detailed knowledge of the symptoms and effect on quality of life (QOL) of neurotoxicity is crucially important both for diagnosis of neuropathy and for management of patients treated with taxanes. In this review, we summarize the symptoms of neurotoxicity caused by taxanes, and highlight the importance of QOL assessment in breast cancer patients treated with taxanes. The most common feature of taxane neurotoxicity is a predominant sensory distal neuropathy, and the incidence and severity of the neuropathic manifestations appear to be related to dose level and cumulative dose. A mixture of paresthesias and dysesthesias is often prominent, and the complaints include burning dysesthesia, numbness, tingling, and shooting pains, typically in a stocking-glove distribution. In contrast to sensory disturbances, motor neuropathy is not well recognized, and is believed to be much less common than sensory neuropathy. Weakness is usually mild, and distal motor neuropathy caused by taxanes rarely affects patients' activities of daily living. The effect of neurotoxicity on QOL is not fully understood, as no study has specifically assessed QOL in terms of neurotoxicity. There is therefore a clear need to collect more detailed data about QOL using well validated, reliable instruments. This will enable us to provide the information that patients require when treatment decisions are being made, and will help in the pursuit of the ameliorative interventions.

Weekly paclitaxel as first-line chemotherapy for elderly patients with metastatic breast cancer. A multicentre phase II trial

Paclitaxel is a cytotoxic agent with proven antitumour activity in metastatic breast cancer. Weekly administration of paclitaxel has demonstrated sustained efficacy together with a more favourable toxicity profile (e.g. less myelotoxicity) than the 3-weekly administration. This study evaluates the activity and toxicity of weekly paclitaxel (Taxol(R)) as first-line chemotherapy in elderly patients (>70 years of age) with hormone-refractory metastatic breast cancer. Patients with metastatic breast cancer received 80 mg/m(2) paclitaxel administered weekly on days 1, 8 and 15 of a 28-day cycle. Additional cycles were given until disease progression, or unacceptable toxicity. A dose increase to 90 mg/m(2) was allowed in the absence of toxicity. 26 Patients received a total of 101 cycles (median 4, range 1-11). 22 patients completed at least two cycles (six administrations). In 23 patients who were evaluable for response, there were 10 partial responses (38%), 9 patients with stable disease (35%), while 4 patients had disease progression (15%). The median duration of response was 194 days (>6 months). Overall treatment was relatively well tolerated, but 8 patients (32%) had to prematurely discontinue treatment because of fatigue. Neuropathy >grade 1 was noted only after five or more cycles in 4 patients. Weekly paclitaxel at this dose and schedule is an effective treatment regimen in the elderly patient with metastatic breast cancer, and is feasible, but yields relevant fatigue in a subset of patients.

Metronomic therapy for breast cancer

Conventional cytotoxic chemotherapeutic drugs treat cancer either by direct killing or by inhibition of growth of cycling tumor cells. In addition, evidence suggests that cytotoxic agents may inhibit tumor growth through an antiangiogenic mechanism. "Metronomic" or frequent continuous administration of the same chemotherapeutic agents at lower doses may optimize their antiangiogenic properties. The effectiveness of metronomic chemotherapy regimens can be improved significantly by concurrent administration of antiangiogenic, endothelial-specific drugs. Preclinical studies have shown that integrating chemotherapy with antiangiogenic drugs can improve efficacy and circumvent the toxicity and drug resistance associated with standard or high-dose chemotherapy. Preliminary clinical studies have shown similar results. Further confirmation of this concept is required with randomized, controlled clinical trials.

Population pharmacokinetics of weekly docetaxel in patients with advanced cancer

AIMS

Previous pharmacokinetic studies of the 3-weekly regimen (100 mg m(-2) every 3 weeks) of docetaxel have shown that docetaxel clearance is affected by liver function, body surface area, age, serum alpha1-acid glycoprotein and cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) activity. However, the pharmacokinetics of a weekly docetaxel (40 mg m(-2) week(-1)) schedule are not well characterized. The aims of this study were (a) to investigate the pharmacokinetics of docetaxel (40 mg m(-2) week(-1)) using sparse concentration-time data collected from patients with advanced cancer and (b) to utilize a population pharmacokinetic approach to identify patient covariates that significantly influence the clearance of docetaxel when administered according to this regimen.

METHODS

A two-compartment pharmacokinetic model was used to describe the docetaxel concentration-time data from 54 patients with advanced cancer. The mean population and individual posterior Bayesian estimates of docetaxel clearance were estimated using P-PHARM. The relationships between docetaxel clearance and 21 covariates were investigated. This included estimates of CYP3A4 function in each patient using the erythromycin breath test (1/tmax). Significant covariates were included into the final population pharmacokinetic model. Pharmacokinetic models were validated using a data splitting approach with a dataset consisting of 16 patients.

RESULTS

Significant relationships were found between docetaxel clearance and 1/tmax (erythromycin breath test parameter) and several of the liver function enzymes and CL was best described by the equation; CL = 21.51 + 217 (1/tmax) - 0.13 (ALT). This final population pharmacokinetic model provided both precise and unbiased predictions of docetaxel concentrations in a validation group of patients and an estimate of the population mean (95% confidence interval) clearance of docetaxel was 30.13 l h(-1) (12.54, 46.04 l h(-1)) with an intersubject variability 30%.

CONCLUSIONS

A population pharmacokinetic model has been developed and validated for weekly docetaxel (40 mg m(-2)) in patients with advanced cancer. These results indicate that CYP3A4 activity and hepatic function have an impact on the pharmacokinetics of docetaxel when administered weekly.

Weekly Docetaxel in Elderly Patients with Prostate Cancer: Efficacy and Toxicity in Patients Aged ≥ 70 Years Compared with Patients Aged < 70 Years

We sought to determine whether age was significantly associated with efficacy and toxicity of weekly docetaxel in patients with metastatic androgen-independent prostate cancer (AIPC). Individual patient data were pooled from 2 phase II clinical trials of weekly docetaxel 36 mg/m(2) for 6 of every 8 weeks in men with metastatic AIPC. Baseline characteristics and outcome measures of men > 70 years of age (n = 52) were compared with patients < 70 of age (n = 34) using Pearson c2 test for categoric variables, Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables, and log-rank test of Kaplan-Meier estimates for time-dependent variable. Multivariate analysis was used to adjust for any imbalances in baseline characteristics. At baseline, older patients had a lower hemoglobin level (P = 0.05) and a higher serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA; P = 0.04). The PSA response rate was 47% (95% CI, 33%-62%) in older patients and 40% (95% CI, 23%-59%) in younger patients (P = 0.75). Similarly, measurable disease response rate (P = 0.43), time to progression (P = 0.28), and survival (P = 0.52) were not affected by age in both univariate and multivariate analyses. There was also no difference in overall hematologic and nonhematologic toxicity > grade 2. This comparison of pooled individual patient data from 2 phase II studies of weekly docetaxel in AIPC did not reveal significant differences in efficacy or toxicity in men aged > 70 years compared with younger patients. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that docetaxel chemotherapy in patients with AIPC is equally well tolerated and effective across a wide range of ages.

Long-term suppression of lymphangitic lung metastasis from breast cancer using biweekly docetaxel: a case report

A 45-year-old woman underwent a modified radical mastectomy for right breast cancer in July 1996. As lymph node metastases were quite advanced, chemotherapy was started with anthracyclines. Four years after surgery, cough and dyspnea appeared. Chest radiograph and CT showed reticular shadows bilaterally and slight pleural effusion, suggesting lymphangitic lung metastasis of breast cancer. Biweekly intravenous docetaxel (TXT,45 mg/m2) was initiated. Four courses of TXT ameliorated her complaints and radiographic findings. A total of 30 continuous courses of TXT suppressed disease exacerbation for 18 months until new lesions manifested in January 2002. The main side effects were grade 2 leukopenia and alopecia. This case report describes a patient with long-term suppression of lymphangitic lung metastasis of breast cancer using biweekly TXT without severe side effects or worsening quality of life.

Docetaxel and radiotherapy and pancreatic cancer

PURPOSE

We conducted a phase 1 trial to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of weekly docetaxel delivered concurrently with radiation therapy for the treatment of locally advanced adenocarcinoma of the pancreas.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirteen patients with histologically proven locally non-resectable advanced adenocarcinoma of the pancreas were enrolled in this study. Patients received 4 weekly doses of docetaxel by 1-hour intravenous (IV) infusion with 40 Gy of external beam radiation therapy during 4 weeks. Patients who were stabilized or in response, received 2 additional cycles of docetaxel with a 10 Gy boost of radiotherapy. Doses were escalated at 10 mg/m2 increments in successive cohorts of 3 new patients until MTD was observed.

RESULTS

Four patients received docetaxel at 20 mg/m2/week, 3 at 25 mg/m2/week, 3 at 30 mg/m2/week, and 3 at 35 mg/m2/week. All patients, except 2, were given the treatment in its integrity. The most common toxicities were nausea, vomiting, asthenia, and abdominal pains. Except for 1 patient, all toxicity was reversible and did not exceed grade 3. Hematologic toxicity was mild and has not required treatment interruption. 28% of the patients had to be rehospitalized. A total of 73 cycles was administered with a mean of 4 cycles per patient (2-6).

CONCLUSION

Even the MTD was not reached, dose escalation was stopped at 35 mg/m2/week. This dose is comparable to the ones previously published using docetaxel in combination with radiotherapy in other tumors. Three patients achieved stable disease and 1 patient an objective response. This combination of weekly docetaxel and radiotherapy shows a feasible and well-tolerated regimen, with, nonetheless, a significant rate of rehospitalization, for patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer.

Effective weekly docetaxel for recurrent ovarian cancer: A case report

We experienced a case of recurrent ovarian cancer that responded to weekly docetaxel. The patient had stage IIIC ovarian cancer (poorly differentiated serous adenocarcinoma). After initial remission was achieved by chemotherapy with paclitaxel and carboplatin plus cytoreductive surgery, the disease recurred and irinotecan therapy achieved temporary remission. During maintenance therapy with oral etoposide, the disease recurred again. We then tried five courses of weekly docetaxel therapy and it successfully controlled the disease. The progression-free survival time on weekly docetaxel treatment is now 7 months and the toxicity was extremely low. This patient demonstrates the effectiveness of weekly docetaxel as salvage chemotherapy for recurrent ovarian cancer.

Weekly schedule of docetaxel in breast cancer: evaluation of response and toxicity

Several recent studies have investigated the administration of docetaxel on a weekly basis. Here, we review the weekly use of docetaxel in breast cancer. To identify articles published on this topic we performed a computer-assisted MEDLINE search; additional references were found in the bibliographies of these articles. Several phase Tstudies of weekly docetaxel have provided encouraging data indicating that there is generally less myelosuppression than with the three week schedule in patients with a variety of advanced malignancies. Dose-limiting toxicities are reached at 43 to 50 mg/m(2), and the recommended dose ranges from 36 to 42 mg/m(2). Furthermore, five studies of weekly docetaxel in patients with metastatic breast cancer achieved 32 to 41% response rates using 25 to 40 mg/m(2) of docetaxel. Myelosuppression was mild, but fatigue was common and was the most common reason for dose reduction. In general, the planned dose intensity was equivalent to those used in standard three week schedules, and fatigue, asthenia, nail changes, excessive lacrimation (tearing), and fluid retention became more common with prolonged administration of docetaxel. Thus, weekly scheduling of docetaxel maintains efficacy and alters the toxicity profile, and the use of weekly docetaxel will become a promising alternative to three week dosing in the treatment of advanced breast cancer once randomized controlled studies confirm these results. However, there is still much to learn about the role of weekly docetaxel in adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapy.

Blockage of the lacrimal drainage apparatus as a side effect of docetaxel therapy

BACKGROUND

The current study was conducted to report the severity and management of canalicular and nasolacrimal duct stenosis as a side effect of docetaxel therapy and to report the outcomes of surgical intervention for this condition.

METHODS

The records of 148 patients with epiphora associated with docetaxel therapy who were evaluated at the Ophthalmology Service at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center were reviewed. The frequency of docetaxel administration, the dose intensity, the cumulative dose of docetaxel, and any concomitant chemotherapeutic agents were recorded. Each patient underwent an ophthalmologic examination and in-office probing and irrigation. The patients either were treated with topical steroids or offered a surgical procedure for canalicular stenosis- (silicone intubation, dacryocystorhinostomy [DCR] with the placement of silicone tubes, or DCR with the placement of Pyrex glass tubes), depending on the severity of the canalicular stenosis.

RESULTS

Docetaxel was given weekly in 71 patients, every 2 weeks in 5 patients, and every 3 weeks in 72 patients. Thirty patients (59 eyes) who received weekly docetaxel underwent surgery to correct epiphora. Twenty-three patients (39 eyes) were treated with temporary silicone tube placement, 9 patients (13 eyes) were treated with DCR with temporary silicone tube placement, and 4 patients (7 eyes) were treated with DCR with permanent Pyrex glass tube placement. Twenty-nine of the 30 patients who underwent surgery reported improvement or total resolution of epiphora after the procedure. Ten additional patients (20 eyes) who received weekly docetaxel had complete closure of their canaliculi but elected not to undergo surgery. Of special note were two patients who received weekly docetaxel in the neoadjuvant setting and developed complete closure of the canaliculi. Of the patients who received docetaxel every 2 or 3 weeks, only 3 required a surgical intervention to correct epiphora; none required Pyrex glass tube placement.

CONCLUSIONS

Canalicular and nasolacrimal duct obstruction is a common side effect of weekly docetaxel therapy and can occur even when this drug is used in the neoadjuvant setting. The results of the current study indicate that early temporary silicone intubation in symptomatic patients receiving weekly docetaxel can prevent further closure of the lacrimal drainage apparatus and obviate more involved surgical interventions and permanent Pyrex glass tube placement. Cancer 2003;98:504-7.

Docetaxel-induced histologic changes in the lacrimal sac and the nasal mucosa

PURPOSE

To identify histopathologic changes in the lacrimal sac and the nasal mucosa caused by docetaxel in 3 patients with canalicular narrowing and nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

METHODS

Small case series. Lacrimal sac and nasal mucosal specimens were obtained at the time of dacryocystorhinostomy or during silicone intubation to correct epiphora in 3 patients receiving docetaxel. Histologic evaluation was performed.

RESULTS

Extensive fibrotic changes in the stroma of the lacrimal sac and the nasal mucosa were the prominent histologic features in all 3 patients. A biopsy specimen was taken from the lower portion of the nasal mucosa (near the inferior turbinate) in one patient at the time of silicone intubation and showed both clinical and histologic evidence of keratinization with marked epidermalization of the surface epithelium, thickening, and parakeratosis of the squamous epithelium.

CONCLUSIONS

Nasolacrimal duct obstruction secondary to treatment with docetaxel may be in part due to stromal fibrosis in the mucosal lining of the lacrimal drainage apparatus.

Pulmonary toxicity during prostate cancer treatment with docetaxel and thalidomide

The standard therapies of surgery, radiotherapy, and hormonal manipulations often fail to control metastatic prostate cancer (PC). Docetaxel and thalidomide may have activity in refractory PC. We highlight the potential pulmonary toxicity when docetaxel is combined with thalidomide. We reviewed three examples of docetaxel and thalidomide pulmonary toxicity at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and summarized the published literature regarding docetaxel and thalidomide pulmonary toxicity. Docetaxel and thalidomide pulmonary toxicity has the following four main presentations: (1). symptomatic effusions; (2). dyspnea on exertion without any objective pathologic evidence; (3). interstitial lung disease; and (4). pulmonary embolus. As chemotherapy becomes more common in the treatment of PC, clinicians must consider possible pulmonary toxicities. If pulmonary symptoms or signs develop, clinicians should consider holding chemotherapy pending a complete evaluation.

Cystic maculopathy with normal capillary permeability secondary to docetaxel

BACKGROUND

Cystic maculopathy without leakage on fluorescein angiography has been described in cases of toxicity to niacin. We present a similar case of cystic maculopathy due to docetaxel (Taxotere) in the treatment of breast cancer.

CASE REPORT

A 53-year-old Asian female presented with complaints of decreased vision soon after the initiation of treatment for breast cancer with docetaxel. A cystic maculopathy with a normal fluorescein angiogram was found on examination. Significant improvement in visual acuity along with resolution of the cystic maculopathy was found after changing to an alternate antineoplastic agent.

CONCLUSION

Docetaxel may be associated with cystic maculopathy that does not display angiographic evidence of abnormal capillary permeability.

The evolving role of capecitabine in breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the second greatest cause of cancer-related death among women in the United States. Capecitabine is a selectively tumor-activated fluoropyrimidine carbamate that is converted to 5-fluorouracil by the sequential activity of these enzymes, the final of which is thymidine phosphorylase, which is overexpressed in many human cancers. Capecitabine as a single agent and in combination with other drugs is efficacious in previously treated and untreated metastatic breast cancer (MBC). The integration of capecitabine, either as a single agent or in combination with docetaxel, into adjuvant breast cancer therapy is justified due to its high antitumor activity in previously treated and untreated MBC, its tolerability, lack of cross-resistance with the anthracyclines and taxanes, and because combined docetaxel/capecitabine improves the overall survival of patients with MBC. Capecitabine is being evaluated as preoperative therapy in patients with operable breast cancer, as adjuvant therapy in patients with high-risk node-negative or node-positive disease, and as oral single-agent therapy in women > or = 65 years of age. This article is an overview of published studies of capecitabine in MBC and the studies that are planned or have been proposed to evaluate capecitabine as adjuvant therapy for breast cancer.

Weekly docetaxel as second-line therapy for patients with advanced breast cancer resistant to previous anthracycline treatment

This phase II trial evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of weekly docetaxel as treatment of advanced metastatic breast cancer patients resistant to prior anthracycline chemotherapy. After the first 18 patients, the initial dose (40 mg/m2, 30-min i.v. infusion for 6 consecutive weeks, followed by 2-week rest) was reduced to 36 mg/m2 in the remaining 17 patients due to the incidence of toxicity (28% grade 3-4 asthenia). Overall response rate was 34% (95% CI, 19-50): two complete (6%) and ten partial responses (28%) were found. The median duration of response was 6.8 months, the median time to disease progression was 8.4 months, and the median overall survival was 13.6 months (median follow-up of 11.4 months). Neutropenia was the only severe hematologic toxicity (17% of patients), whereas asthenia, nail, ocular and skin disorders were the most common nonhematologic toxicities. Only one death during further follow-up was related to toxicity (caused by pulmonary fibrosis). In conclusion, we found weekly docetaxel to be an active and safe chemotherapy regimen for patients with metastatic breast resistant to previous anthracyclines. This weekly regimen caused minimal myelosupression, while retaining significant activity against advanced breast cancer. Both factors provide attractive possibilities for the development of combination therapies incorporating weekly docetaxel. Nevertheless, the number of patients receiving either dose (40 and 36 mg/m2) which we studied is low and our results require confirmation on larger groups of patients.

Erosive conjunctivitis and punctal stenosis secondary to docetaxel (taxotere)

PURPOSE

To report a case of erosive conjunctivitis and punctal stenosis occurring secondarily in a patient who underwent administration of docetaxel.

METHODS

Observational case report: a 58-year-old female with metastatic breast cancer developed erosive conjunctivitis and punctal stenosis after undergoing administration of systemic docetaxel.

RESULTS

Resolution of the erosive conjunctivitis occurred after discontinuation of docetaxel. The punctal stenosis persisted.

CONCLUSION

Patients receiving treatment with docetaxel require frequent monitoring to discover potentially irreversible ocular damage.

Weekly docetaxel in patients with pretreated metastatic breast cancer: a phase II trial

Docetaxel has consistently demonstrated its high activity as an antineoplastic agent in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. However, 90% of patients receiving the recommended dose of 100 mg/m2 every 3 weeks will develop grade 3 or 4 neutropenia. Recent data suggest that the safety profile of a weekly docetaxel regimen compared favorably with the standard 3-week schedule. Thus, we initiated a phase II study to assess the efficacy and toxicity of weekly docetaxel in pretreated patients with metastatic breast cancer. Twenty patients with advanced, anthra-cycline-refractory breast cancer were included in this phase II trial. Docetaxel was administered at a starting dose of 40 mg/m2, repeated once a week for 3 consecutive weeks followed by a 1-week rest period (1 cycle). Patients were evaluated for tumor response every 8 weeks (after every other cycle). Therapy was continued for a maximum of six courses in patients showing tumor response or stable disease. Twenty patients received a total of 204 weekly infusions of docetaxel. The mean number of treatments was 10.2 (range 1-18). Eighteen patients were assessable for response. Five patients achieved a partial response and six patients showed either stable disease or a minor response. Seven patients had disease progression. The median survival was 7.8 months. Grade 3/4 leukopenia occurred in two patients. No other grade 3 or 4 hematologic toxicities were observed. The following grade 3/4 non-hematologic toxicities were seen: nausea/vomiting (one patient), infection (one patient), mucositis (two patients) and diarrhea (one patient). Three patients withdrew from the study due to dose-limiting toxicities (one due to severe neutropenia and two due to mucositis). We conclude that administration of docetaxel at a dose of 40 mg/m2 was effective and well tolerated even in heavily pretreated patients with metastatic breast cancer. This regimen is associated with only mild myelosuppression.

Improvement of oral drug treatment by temporary inhibition of drug transporters and/or cytochrome P450 in the gastrointestinal tract and liver: an overview

The oral bioavailability of many cytotoxic drugs is low and/or highly variable. This can be caused by high affinity for drug transporters and activity of metabolic enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract and liver. In this review, we will describe the main involved drug transporters and metabolic enzymes and discuss novel methods to improve oral treatment of affected substrate drugs. Results of preclinical and clinical phase I and II studies will be discussed in which affected substrate drugs, such as paclitaxel, docetaxel, and topotecan, are given orally in combination with an inhibitor of drug transport or drug metabolism. Future randomized studies will, hopefully, confirm that this strategy for oral treatment is at least as equally effective and safe as standard intravenous administration of these drugs.