A phase II study of irinotecan (CPT-11) and carboplatin in patients with limited disease small cell lung cancer (SCLC)

Population Survival Kinetics Derived from Clinical Trials of Potentially Curable Lung Cancers

Using digitized data from progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival Kaplan-Meier curves, one can assess population survival kinetics through exponential decay nonlinear regression analyses. To demonstrate their utility, we analyzed PFS curves from published curative-intent trials of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) adjuvant chemotherapy, adjuvant osimertinib in resected EGFR-mutant NSCLC (ADAURA trial), chemoradiotherapy for inoperable NSCLC, and limited small cell lung cancer (SCLC). These analyses permit assessment of log-linear curve shape and estimation of the proportion of patients cured, PFS half-lives for subpopulations destined to eventually relapse, and probability of eventual relapse in patients remaining progression-free at different time points. The proportion of patients potentially cured was 41% for adjuvant controls, 58% with adjuvant chemotherapy, 17% for ADAURA controls, not assessable with adjuvant osimertinib, 15% with chemoradiotherapy, and 12% for SCLC. Median PFS half-life for relapsing subpopulations was 11.9 months for adjuvant controls, 17.4 months with adjuvant chemotherapy, 24.4 months for ADAURA controls, not assessable with osimertinib, 9.3 months with chemoradiotherapy, and 10.7 months for SCLC. For those remaining relapse-free at 2 and 5 years, the cure probability was 74%/96% for adjuvant controls, 77%/93% with adjuvant chemotherapy, 51%/94% with chemoradiation, and 39%/87% with limited SCLC. Relatively easy population kinetic analyses add useful information.

Irinotecan and Carboplatin (IC) Regimen for Small-Cell Lung Cancer and Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

The complexity of cancer chemotherapy requires pharmacists be familiar with the complicated regimens and highly toxic agents used. This column reviews various issues related to preparation, dispensing, and administration of antineoplastic therapy, and the agents, both commercially available and investigational, used to treat malignant diseases. Questions or suggestions for topics should be addressed to Dominic A. Solimando, Jr, President, Oncology Pharmacy Services, Inc., 4201 Wilson Blvd #110-545, Arlington, VA 22203, e-mail: OncRxSvc@comcast.net; or J. Aubrey Waddell, Professor, University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy; Oncology Pharmacist, Pharmacy Department, Blount Memorial Hospital, 907 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville, TN 37804, e-mail: waddfour@charter.net.

Phase II study of induction cisplatin and irinotecan followed by concurrent carboplatin, etoposide, and thoracic radiotherapy for limited-stage small-cell lung cancer, CALGB 30206

INTRODUCTION

We sought to determine the efficacy of using both irinotecan- and etoposide-containing regimens sequentially for patients with untreated limited-stage small-cell lung cancer.

METHODS

Patients with untreated, measurable, limited-stage small-cell lung cancer with performance status 0 to 2, and adequate organ function were eligible. Treatment consisted of induction with cisplatin 30 mg/m and irinotecan 65 mg/m intravenously on day 1 and 8, every 21 days for two cycles. Beginning day 43, daily chest irradiation to 70 Gy was administered concurrently with carboplatin area under curve 5 on day 1, and etoposide 100 mg/m on days 1 to 3, every 21 days for three cycles. The primary objective was to differentiate between 45% and 60% 2-year survival.

RESULTS

Two induction cycles were delivered to 72 of 75 eligible patients (96%) and all planned treatment was delivered to 59 patients (79%). Cisplatin and irinotecan induction chemotherapy resulted in complete responses in 7% and partial responses in 64% (response rate 71%, 95% confidence interval [CI], 59%-81%). The best response to all therapy included 88% complete or partial responses (95% CI, 78%-94%). With median follow-up of 57 months, the median progression-free survival and overall survival are 12.6 (95% CI, 9.4-14.7) and 18.1 months (15.8-22.9), respectively. The 1- and 2-year survival was 69% and 31%, respectively. Frequent (>20%) grade 3 and 4 toxicities were neutropenia in 84%, hemoglobin in 36%, platelets in 51%, esophagitis in 22%, and dehydration in 24%. There were no fatal toxicities.

CONCLUSIONS

This treatment regimen of irinotecan-cisplatin induction chemotherapy followed by 70 Gy concurrent radiation and etoposide-carboplatin had tolerable toxicity but did not meet the preplanned 2-year survival target for further development.

Irinotecan and Carboplatin (IC) Regimen for Lung Cancer

The complexity of cancer chemotherapy requires that pharmacists be familiar with the complicated regimens and highly toxic agents used. This column reviews various issues related to preparing, dispensing, and administering antineoplastic therapy and to the agents, commercially available and investigational, used to treat malignant diseases.