Phase II trial of 96-hour paclitaxel in previously treated patients with advanced esophageal cancer Journal Article


Authors: Anderson, S. E.; O'Reilly, E. M.; Kelsen, D. P.; Ilson, D. H.
Article Title: Phase II trial of 96-hour paclitaxel in previously treated patients with advanced esophageal cancer
Abstract: Background. A 96-hour infusion schedule of paclitaxel demonstrates tolerability and antitumor activity in lung cancer and breast cancer refractory to short-duration infusion paclitaxel. Given the activity of paclitaxel in esophageal cancer, a phase II trial of 96-hour infusion paclitaxel in esophageal cancer was undertaken. Methods. Both adenocarcinoma and squamous cell histology were included. Paclitaxel was administered at 140 mg/m 2 over 96 hours every 21 days. Patients who had metastatic disease to the liver and transaminases greater than two times normal value received 120 mg/m2. Response to treatment was evaluated after the first two cycles and subsequently every third cycle. Results. Ten men and four women were entered. All were eligible for response and had stage IV disease. Thirteen patients were previously treated. All 13 received prior short-duration paclitaxel-containing chemotherapy regimens. Eleven patients had adenocarcinoma and three squamous cell cancer. Patients completed a mean of two cycles (range one to eight) prior to disease progression. No major responses were observed. Toxicity was minimal and included grade 3/4 neutropenia in 14% of patients. One patient with adenocarcinoma demonstrated stable disease for 28 weeks. Conclusion. No major activity was observed in a population of previously treated patients. Ninety-six-hour paclitaxel in metastatic esophageal cancer is generally well tolerated with minimal toxicity; however, it is ineffective in previously treated patients. Further evaluation of this schedule of paclitaxel in combination with concurrent radiotherapy, where its radiosensitizing potential may be useful, is ongoing in locally advanced esophageal cancer.
Keywords: adult; clinical article; treatment outcome; aged; middle aged; clinical trial; drug tolerability; fatigue; neutropenia; carcinoma, squamous cell; advanced cancer; diarrhea; side effect; paclitaxel; cancer radiotherapy; neurotoxicity; adenocarcinoma; phase 2 clinical trial; breast cancer; mucosa inflammation; nausea; vomiting; antineoplastic agents, phytogenic; lung cancer; antineoplastic activity; cancer resistance; disease progression; esophagus cancer; alopecia; infusions, intravenous; esophageal neoplasms; esophageal cancer; squamous cell; humans; human; male; female; priority journal; article; 96-hour infusion
Journal Title: Cancer Investigation
Volume: 21
Issue: 4
ISSN: 0735-7907
Publisher: Informa Healthcare  
Date Published: 2003-01-01
Start Page: 512
End Page: 516
Language: English
DOI: 10.1081/cnv-120022360
PUBMED: 14533440
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:
Notes: Export Date: 12 September 2014 -- Source: Scopus
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  1. David H Ilson
    435 Ilson
  2. Eileen O'Reilly
    789 O'Reilly
  3. David P Kelsen
    538 Kelsen