Activity of a three-drug combination including cisplatin (CLOVER regimen) for poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma

Anticancer Res. 2014 Oct;34(10):5657-60.

Abstract

Background/aim: No standard treatment has been established for poorly-differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (PDNEC). The aim of this study is to evaluate the response to the combination of three drugs.

Material and methods: We reviewed 21 PDNEC patients treated from 2008 to 2013 in two Institutions. Five patients were initially treated with epirubicin, fluorouracil and temozolomide. Because of toxicity, the regimen was modified into cisplatin, capecitabine and dacarbazine (scheme B-CLOVER regimen).

Results: Primary tumor site was: pancreas 7 (33%), lung 5 (24%), colon-rectum 5 (24%), unknown 3 (14%) and stomach 1 (5%). The response rate was 24% (0 complete response, 24% partial responses, 38% stable disease, 9% progression and 19% unassessable). The global overall survival (OS) is 13 months (range=1-29) and progression-free survival (PFS) was 6 months (range=1-11).

Conclusion: The combination chemotherapy of cisplatinum, capecitabine and dacarbazine is feasible and should be considered as an option for PDNEC.

Keywords: PDNEC; Poorly-differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma; chemotherapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine / drug therapy*
  • Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine / mortality
  • Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine / pathology*
  • Cisplatin / administration & dosage
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Grading
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Cisplatin