bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phase II Trial of Paclitaxel and Carboplatin in Metastatic Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Groupe Français de Pneumo-Cancérologie Study
Authors: Thomas P. , Castelnau O. , Paillotin D. , Léna H. , Robinet G. , Muir J. F. , Delaval P. , Gouva S. , Balmes P. , Blanchon F. , Perdu D. , Poirier R. , Pommier de Santi P. , Penot-Ragon C. , Kleisbauer J. P. 
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of paclitaxel and carboplatin in the treatment of previously untreated patients with metastatic small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eligible patients were aged 18 to 75 years with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score ≤ 2 and life expectancy ≥ 12 weeks. Paclitaxel (200 mg/m2) was infused over 3 hours, before carboplatin (area under the curve [AUC] 6; Calvert formula) infused over 1 hour, once every 3 weeks for six cycles maximum. Prednisolone, dexchlorpheniramine, and ranitidine were standard premedication. Response to treatment was assessed every two cycles, and nonresponding patients were withdrawn from the trial to receive standard chemotherapy. RESULTS: Of the 50 patients entering the study, 48 and 46 patients were assessable for toxicity and response, respectively. The overall response rate was 65%, with complete responses in three patients. Five patients had stable disease (11%) and 11 patients experienced progressive disease (24%). Median survival was 38 weeks, and median duration of response was 20 weeks. One-year survival was 22.5%. For a total of 232 cycles, grade 3 and 4 toxicity was 33% for neutropenia, 3.5% for thrombocytopenia, and 4% for anemia. Four patients had neutropenic fever (one toxic death). Nonhematologic toxicity was mainly grade 1 and 2 paresthesia (21% of patients); grade 3 myalgia/arthralgia was observed in 6.5% of patients. CONCLUSION: First-line chemotherapy with paclitaxel and carboplatin in metastatic SCLC achieved a response rate and survival similar to standard regimens. With 1-day administration and a tolerable toxicity profile, this combination merits further investigation.
Results of a Prospective Randomized Trial Comparing Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Plus Radiotherapy With Radiotherapy Alone in Patients With Locoregionally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Ma Jun , Mai Hai-Qiang , Hong Ming-Huang , Min Hua-Qing , Mao Zhi-Da , Cui Nian-Ji , Lu Tai-Xiang , Mo Hao-Yuan 
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE: A prospective randomized trial was performed to evaluate the contribution of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma were treated either with radiotherapy alone (RT group) or neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus radiotherapy (CT/RT group). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy consisting of two to three cycles of cisplatin (100 mg/m2, day 1), bleomycin (10 mg/m2, days 1 and 5), and fluorouracil (5-FU; 800 mg/m2, days 1 through 5, continuous infusion) followed by radiotherapy was given to the CT/RT group. All patients were treated in a uniform fashion by definitive-intent radiation therapy in both groups. RESULTS: Between July 1993 and July 1994, 456 patients were entered onto the study, with 228 patients randomized to each treatment arm, and 449 patients (225 in the RT group and 224 in the CT/RT group) were assessable. All 456 patients were included in survival analysis according to the intent-to-treat principle. The 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were 63% for the CT/RT group and 56% for the RT group (P = .11). The median relapse-free survival (RFS) time was 50 months for the RT group and not reached for the CT/RT group. The 5-year RFS rate was 49% for the RT group versus 59% for the CT/RT group (P = .05). The 5-year freedom from local recurrence rate was 82% for the CT/RT group and 74% for the RT group (P = .04). There was no significant difference in freedom from distant metastasis between the two treatment groups (CT/RT group, 79%; RT group, 75%; P = .40). CONCLUSION: This randomized study failed to demonstrate any significant survival benefit with the addition of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for patients with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Therefore, neoadjuvant chemotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma should not be used outside of the context of a clinical trial.
Reduced Cardiotoxicity and Preserved Antitumor Efficacy of Liposome-Encapsulated Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide Compared With Conventional Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide in a Randomized, Multicenter Trial of Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Batist Gerald , Ramakrishnan Gopal , Rao Chandra Sekhar , Chandrasekharan Aruna , Gutheil John , Guthrie Troy , Shah Pankaj , Khojasteh Ali , Nair Madhavan Krishnan , Hoelzer Karen , Tkaczuk Katherine , Park Youn Choi , Lee Lily W. 
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE: To determine whether Myocet (liposome-encapsulated doxorubicin; The Liposome Company, Elan Corporation, Princeton, NJ) in combination with cyclophosphamide significantly reduces doxorubicin cardiotoxicity while providing comparable antitumor efficacy in first-line treatment of metastatic breast cancer (MBC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two hundred ninety-seven patients with MBC and no prior chemotherapy for metastatic disease were randomized to receive either 60 mg/m2 of Myocet (M) or conventional doxorubicin (A), in combination with 600 mg/m2 of cyclophosphamide (C), every 3 weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Cardiotoxicity was defined by reductions in left-ventricular ejection fraction, assessed by serial multigated radionuclide angiography scans, or congestive heart failure (CHF). Antitumor efficacy was assessed by objective tumor response rates (World Health Organization criteria), time to progression, and survival. RESULTS: Six percent of MC patients versus 21% (including five cases of CHF) of AC patients developed cardiotoxicity (P = .0002). Median cumulative doxorubicin dose at onset was more than 2,220 mg/m2 for MC versus 480 mg/m2 for AC (P = .0001, hazard ratio, 5.04). MC patients also experienced less grade 4 neutropenia. Antitumor efficacy of MC versus AC was comparable: objective response rates, 43% versus 43%; median time to progression, 5.1% versus 5.5 months; median time to treatment failure, 4.6 versus 4.4 months; and median survival, 19 versus 16 months. CONCLUSION: Myocet improves the therapeutic index of doxorubicin by significantly reducing cardiotoxicity and grade 4 neutropenia and provides comparable antitumor efficacy, when used in combination with cyclophosphamide as first-line therapy for MBC.
Phase I Study of ZD9331 on Short Daily Intravenous Bolus Infusion for 5 Days Every 3 Weeks With Fixed Dosing Recommendations
Authors: Goh B. C. , Ratain M. J. , Bertucci D. , Smith R. , Mani S. , Vogelzang N. J. , Schilsky R. L. , Hutchison M. , Smith M. , Averbuch S. , Douglass E. 
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE: To conduct a phase I study of ZD9331, a potent, nonpolyglutamatable thymidylate synthase inhibitor using a short daily infusion for 5 consecutive days every 21 days. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with refractory cancer or cancer for which no standard therapy was available were treated in escalating doses using an accelerated titration design. Plasma and urine samples were collected at timed intervals in the first cycle for pharmacokinetic analysis. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients were enrolled at 12 dose levels from a starting dose of 0.4 mg/m2/d to 16 mg/m2/d and 25 mg/d fixed dosing, of which 67 were assessable for toxicity. Maximum-tolerated dose was reached at 16 mg/m2/d. Myelosuppression was dose-limiting, consisting of thrombocytopenia associated with neutropenic fever. Body-surface area did not correlate with drug clearance; therefore, fixed daily dosing of 25 mg/d was studied and found to be tolerable, with two of 12 dose-limiting events. Dose-limiting nonhematologic toxicity consisted of grade 3 erythematous maculopapular rash observed in one patient at 12 mg/m2/d and one patient at 25 mg/d. Pharmacokinetic analysis showed nonlinearity, with clearance increasing with dose. The mean clearance and terminal half-life of the drug were 6.6 ± 2.0 mL/min and 71.3 ± 27.0 hours, respectively. Area-under-the concentration-time curve was a better predictor of toxicity than dose, using multiple linear regression analyses. Minor response (40% shrinkage of tumor) was observed in one patient with colorectal cancer treated at 12 mg/m2/d. CONCLUSION: The recommended dose for ZD9331 on this schedule is 25 mg/d. Neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and rash were dose-limiting, and efficacy studies in colorectal cancer are indicated.
Doxorubicin and Paclitaxel Versus Fluorouracil, Doxorubicin, and Cyclophosphamide as First-Line Therapy for Women With Metastatic Breast Cancer: Final Results of a Randomized Phase III Multicenter Trial
Authors: Jassem Jacek , Pieńkowski Tadeusz , Płuzańska Anna , Jelic Svetislav , Gorbunova Vera , Mrsic-Krmpotic Zrinka , Berzins Juris , Nagykalnai Tomas , Wigler Nelly , Renard Josette , Munier Stephane , Weil Catherine 
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE: This phase III trial compared the efficacy and safety of doxorubicin and paclitaxel (AT) to 5-fluorouracil, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide (FAC) as first-line therapy for women with metastatic breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 267 women with metastatic breast cancer were randomized to receive either AT (doxorubicin 50 mg/m2 followed 24 hours later by paclitaxel 220 mg/m2) or FAC (5-fluorouracil 500 mg/m2, doxorubicin 50 mg/m2, cyclophosphamide 500 mg/m2), each administered every 3 weeks for up to eight cycles. Patients had to have measurable disease and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 to 2. Only one prior non–anthracycline, nontaxane-containing adjuvant chemotherapy regimen was allowed. RESULTS: Overall response rates for patients randomized to AT and FAC were 68% and 55%, respectively (P = .032). Median time to progression and overall survival were significantly longer for AT compared with FAC (time to progression 8.3 months v 6.2 months [P = .034]; overall survival 23.3 months v 18.3 months [P = .013]). Therapy was generally well-tolerated (median of eight cycles delivered in each arm). Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia was more common with AT than with FAC (89% v 65%; P < .001); however, the incidence of fever and infection was low. Grade 3 or 4 arthralgia and myalgia, peripheral neuropathy, and diarrhea were more common with AT, whereas nausea and vomiting were more common with FAC. The incidence of cardiotoxicity was low in both arms. CONCLUSION: AT conferred a significant advantage in response rate, time to progression, and overall survival compared with FAC. Treatment was well-tolerated with no unexpected toxicities.
Phase II Comparator Study of Oral Versus Intravenous Topotecan in Patients With Chemosensitive Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: von Pawel Joachim , Gatzemeier Ulrich , Pujol Jean-Louis , Moreau Lionel , Bildat S. , Ranson Malcolm , Richardson Gary , Steppert Claus , Rivière Alain , Camlett Ina , Lane Stephen , Ross Graham 
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE: Topotecan, administered intravenously, is active in small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). In this study, the comparability of oral topotecan to IV topotecan was investigated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with SCLC that had relapsed 90 days or more after cessation of initial chemotherapy were randomized to receive either oral topotecan (Hycamtin) 2.3 mg/m2/d × 5 (52 patients) or IV topotecan 1.5 mg/m2/d × 5 (54 patients), every 21 days. RESULTS: Response rates in this phase II randomized study were 23% (12/52) in the oral topotecan arm and 15% (8/54) in the IV topotecan arm. All radiological responses were confirmed by an independent radiologist. Median survival was 32 weeks (oral) and 25 weeks (IV). Good symptom control, defined as sustained improvement or no deterioration, was evident in both treatment groups. Topotecan was generally well tolerated, with myelosuppression being the major toxicity. Grade 4 neutropenia occurred in 35.3% of patients on oral topotecan and in 67.3% of patients on IV topotecan, which was statistically significant (P = .001). Fever/infection more than or equal to grade 2 associated with grade 4 neutropenia, together with sepsis, occurred in only 5.1% of courses (oral) and 3.3% of courses (IV). Non-hematological toxicity consisted mainly of vomiting (oral: 36.5% of patients; IV: 31.5% of patients) and nausea (oral: 26.9% of patients; IV: 40.7% of patients). CONCLUSION: This study found oral topotecan to be similar in efficacy to IV topotecan in the treatment of patients with relapsed SCLC, sensitive to first-line chemotherapy, with less grade 4 neutropenia and greater convenience of administration.
Prevention of Cisplatin-Induced Emesis by the Oral Neurokinin-1 Antagonist, MK-869, in Combination With Granisetron and Dexamethasone or With Dexamethasone Alone
Authors: Campos Daniel , Pereira Jose Rodrigues , Reinhardt Rick R. , Carracedo Carlos , Poli Sergio , Vogel Conrado , Martinez-Cedillo Jorge , Erazo Aura , Wittreich Johanna , Eriksson Lars-Olof , Carides Alexandra D. , Gertz Barry J. 
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE: The NK1-receptor antagonist MK-869 (L-754,030) has demonstrated antiemetic activity in humans receiving chemotherapy. Objectives of the present trial included the first assessment of oral MK-869 plus dexamethasone compared with a 5HT3 antagonist plus dexamethasone for prevention of acute and delayed emesis after high-dose cisplatin. Furthermore, the study sought to confirm that addition of MK-869 to a 5HT3 antagonist plus dexamethasone was more effective than just the 5HT3 antagonist plus dexamethasone for prevention of acute and delayed emesis. METHODS: This multicenter, double-blind, parallel-group trial in 351 cisplatin-naïve patients evaluated prevention of acute (0 to 24 hours) and delayed emesis (primary efficacy parameter; days 2 to 5) after cisplatin (≥70 mg/m2). Patients were randomized to four groups (I to IV) (n = number randomized; number evaluable): granisetron (10 μg/kg intravenously) pre-cisplatin followed by placebo on days 2 to 5 (group I) (n = 90; 90); granisetron and MK-869 (400 mg PO [by mouth]) pre-cisplatin, followed by MK-869 (300 mg PO) on days 2 to 5 (group II) (n = 86; 84); MK-869 (400 mg PO) the evening before and pre-cisplatin, followed by MK-869 (300 mg PO) on days 2 to 5 (group III) (n = 89; 88); or MK-869 (400 mg PO) pre-cisplatin, followed by MK-869 (300 mg PO) on days 2 to 5 (group IV) (n = 86; 84). All patients also received dexamethasone (20 mg PO) before cisplatin. Additional medication was available to treat emesis or nausea at any time. RESULTS: In the acute period, 57%, 80%, 46%, and 43% of patients were without emesis in groups I, II, III, and IV, respectively (P < .01 for group II v group I). In the delayed period, the proportion of patients without emesis in groups I, II, III, and IV was 29%, 63%, 51%, and 57%, respectively (P < .01 for groups II, III, and IV v group I). The distribution of nausea scores in the delayed period was lower when comparing group II with group I (P < .05 for days 1 to 5 and days 2 to 5). One serious adverse event (dizziness) was rated as possibly related to MK-869. CONCLUSION: Once daily oral administration of MK-869 was effective in reducing delayed emesis and nausea after high-dose cisplatin. However, the combination of the 5HT3 antagonist plus dexamethasone was numerically superior to MK-869 plus dexamethasone in reducing acute emesis. Confirming and extending previous findings, the triple combination of a 5HT3 antagonist, MK-869, and dexamethasone provided the best control of acute emesis.
Fluorouracil Plus Leucovorin as Effective Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Curatively Resected Stage III Colon Cancer: Results of the Trial adjCCA-01
Authors: Porschen Rainer , Bermann Andreas , Löffler Thomas , Haack Gregor , Rettig Klaus , Anger Yvonne , Strohmeyer Georg 
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE: Adjuvant postoperative treatment with fluorouracil (5-FU) and levamisole in curatively resected stage III colon cancer significantly reduces the risk of cancer recurrence and improves survival. Biochemical modulation of 5-FU with leucovorin has resulted in increased remission rates in metastatic colorectal cancer, thus reflecting an increased tumor-cell kill. The impact of 5-FU plus leucovorin on survival and tumor recurrence was analyzed in comparison with the effects of 5-FU plus levamisole in the prospective multicentric trial adjCCA-01. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with a curatively resected International Union Against Cancer stage III colon cancer were stratified according to T, N, and G category and randomly assigned to receive one of the two adjuvant treatment schemes: 5-FU 400 mg/m2 body-surface area intravenously in the first chemotherapy course, then 450 mg/m2 × 5 days; 12 cycles, plus leucovorin 100 mg/m2 (arm A), or 5-FU plus levamisole (Moertel scheme; arm B). RESULTS: Six hundred eighty (96.9%) of 702 patients enrolled onto this study were eligible. After a median follow-up time of 46.5 months, the 5-FU plus leucovorin combination significantly improved disease-free survival (P = .037) and significantly decreased overall mortality (P = .0089) in comparison with 5-FU plus levamisole. In a multivariate proportional hazards model, adjuvant chemotherapy emerged as a significant prognostic factor for survival (P = .0059) and disease-free survival (P = .03). Adjuvant treatment with 5-FU plus levamisole as well as with 5-FU plus leucovorin was generally well tolerated; only a minority of patients experienced grade 3 and 4 toxicities. CONCLUSION: After a curative resection of a stage III colon cancer, adjuvant treatment with 5-FU plus leucovorin is generally well tolerated and significantly more effective than 5-FU plus levamisole in reducing tumor relapse and improving survival.
Primary Mediastinal B-Cell Lymphoma: A Review of Pathology and Management
Authors: van Besien Koen , Kelta Mohammed , Bahaguna Pranay 
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE: Primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma (PMBL) is recognized as a separate disease entity in the REAL classification. There is uncertainty about the relevance and especially the optimal management of this disorder. In this review, we discuss clinical presentation, pathology, pathobiology, and management of PMBL in order to provide a platform for initiation of further clinical and biologic studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Studies were identified through a MEDLINE search and from the bibliographies of relevant articles. RESULTS: PMBL is a tumor of young adults who present with a rapidly proliferating tumor. At diagnosis, the tumor is usually limited to intrathoracic organs. Spread to parenchymal organs such as liver, kidneys, and CNS is common at recurrence. Fibrosis and the presence of so-called clear cells are distinctive morphologic features of PMBL, although they are not pathognomonic or even necessary for diagnosis. On the other hand, biologic features relating to oncogene rearrangement and overexpression as well as cytogenetic features clearly differentiate PMBL from other types of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Phase II studies and retrospective series indicate cure rates that range from 38% to 88%. The role of chemotherapy, radiation, and high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell rescue in the management of PMBL is reviewed. CONCLUSION: PMBL has unique clinical and biologic characteristics that are radically different from those of other types of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Although relatively rare, its aggressive growth and its occurrence in young patients increase the clinical relevance of this entity. The consistent recognition and study of PMBL will allow the development of new approaches to its management.
Concomitant Infusional Paclitaxel and Fluorouracil, Oral Hydroxyurea, and Hyperfractionated Radiation for Locally Advanced Squamous Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Kies Merrill S. , Haraf Daniel J. , Rosen Fred , Stenson Kerstin , List Marcy , Brockstein Bruce , Chung Theodore , Mittal Bharat B. , Pelzer Harold , Portugal Louis , Rademaker Alfred , Weichselbaum Ralph , Vokes Everett E. 
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE: To improve local disease control and survival with organ preservation, we conducted a phase II multi-institutional trial with a concomitant taxane-based chemotherapy and hyperfractionated radiation regimen. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-four patients with locally advanced squamous cancers (stage IV, 98%; N2/3, 81%) were treated on an intensive regimen consisting of 5-day (120-hour) infusions of paclitaxel (20 mg/m2/d) and fluorouracil (600 mg/m2/d), oral hydroxyurea 500 mg every 12 hours for 11 doses, and radiation 1.5 Gy bid (T-FH2X). Chemoradiation was administered concomitantly on days 1 to 5 of each 14-day cycle. A full treatment course consisted of five cycles during a 10-week period to a total radiation dose of 72 to 75 Gy. RESULTS: The median follow-up for the group is 34 months. At 3 years, progression-free survival is 63%, locoregional control is 86%, and systemic control is 79%; overall survival is 60%. Seventeen patients died of recurrent cancer, two died of second primary cancers, and four died of other causes. Side effects observed include anemia (22% required transfusion), leucopenia (34%, grade 3 to 4), and mucositis (84%, grade 3 to 4). Organ preservation principles were maintained. At 1 year posttreatment, 61% of patients had severe xerostomia and 47% had compromised swallowing. There was little disturbance of speech quality in 97% of patients at the same follow-up point. CONCLUSION: T-FH2X is a highly active and tolerable concomitant chemotherapy and hyperfractionated radiation regimen that induces sustained local tumor control and holds promise for improved survival with organ preservation in high-risk patients. Identification of less toxic therapy and improved distant disease control are needed. T-FH2X should be tested in a randomized trial and compared with a less intensive concomitant regimen that uses once-daily radiation fractionation.
Methylation of p15 and p16 Genes in Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia: Potential Diagnostic and Prognostic Significance
Authors: Chim C.S. , Liang R. , Tam C.Y.Y. , Kwong Y.L. 
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE: To investigate the frequency of p15 and p16 gene promoter methylation in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), and to define its value in the detection of minimal residual disease (MRD) and treatment prognostication. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Bone marrow DNA obtained from 26 patients with APL at diagnosis and during follow-up was studied with the methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MS-PCR). Serial marrow DNA was studied by MS-PCR for MRD, and disease-free and overall survival were correlated with p15 methylation status at diagnosis. RESULTS: MS-PCR for p16 and p15 gene methylation has a maximum sensitivity of 10-4 and 10-5. At diagnosis, 19 patients (73.1%) exhibited p15 methylation, whereas only three patients (11.5%) exhibited p16 methylation, all of whom had concomitant p15 methylation. During follow-up, p16 methylation was acquired in two patients, one during the third hematologic relapse, and the other during transformation into therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome. Six patients were evaluated serially with MS-PCR for p15 methylation at diagnosis and at follow-up examinations. Persistent p15 methylation preceded subsequent hematologic relapses in two patients, and conversion to negative MS-PCR for p15 methylation correlated with prolonged survival in another four patients. The 5-year disease-free survival of patients with p15 methylation was significantly inferior to that of patients without p15 methylation (15% v 62.5%; P = .02), and this remained significant in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: In APL, p15 but not p16 gene methylation is frequent. It is possible that p16 methylation is acquired during clonal evolution. p15 methylation is a potential marker of MRD and might be of prognostic significance.