Background: The regimen of weekly irinotecan plus cisplatin (IP) is used for treatment of small cell lung cancer (SCLC). We conducted a phase II trial to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of weekly IP in patients with previously untreated extensive-stage extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma (EPSCC).
Patients and methods: 15 patients with previously untreated extensive-stage EPSCC were enrolled. They received 60 mg/m2 of irinotecan on days 1, 8 and 15, and 25 mg/m(2) of cisplatin days 1-3. This regimen was given every 28 days, and efficacy was evaluated after 2 cycles.
Results: Objective responses were observed in 10 patients (66.7%), including 3 complete responses (20%) and 7 partial responses (46.7%). The median time to tumor progression was 4.5 months, the median survival time was 11.4 months, and the 1-year survival rate was 46.7%. Toxicities were relatively mild, and there were no treatment-related deaths.
Conclusions: Weekly IP has significant activity in extensive-stage EPSCC. The regimen was well tolerated, with acceptable myelosuppression and treatment-related diarrhea.
Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.