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Second-line chemotherapy in small cell lung cancer in a modified administration of topotecan combined with paclitaxel: a phase II study

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Abstract

Purpose: Our main objective was to investigate the response rate in pretreated patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) who received a weekly administration of topotecan and paclitaxel; our secondary objectives were to assess toxicity and survival. Methods: Topotecan 1.75 mg/m2 was combined with paclitaxel 70 mg/m2; these cytotoxic agents were administered once every week (day 1) for 3 consecutive weeks (one cycle), and repeated every 28 days (three infusions per cycle) for a minimum of three cycles. Results: Forty-five patients were enrolled, 41 of whom were evaluable for response and toxicity. The median number of cycles was two (range 1–6). Eleven/forty-one (26.83%) patients responded: one complete response and ten partial responses; the median duration of response was 4 months (range 2–8 months); the median overall survival was 7 months (95% CI: 4.2–9.8). Myelotoxicity was the most common adverse reaction (grade 3 neutropenia in 19.5% of the patients and grade 4 in 7.32%). Non-hematologic toxicities varied from 2.44% to 9.76%. No patient had to stop treatment due to toxicity. Conclusion: Topotecan combined with paclitaxel, given on day 1 on a weekly basis, produced a response rate of 26.83% in pretreated patients with SCLC. Myelotoxicity, particularly neutropenia, was the main adverse reaction, but in a minority of patients.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. First Department of Oncology, Errikos Dunant Hospital, Semitelou 2A, 115 28, Athens, Greece

    G. P. Stathopoulos & J. Stathopoulos

  2. Second Department of Oncology, Errikos Dunant Hospital, Athens, Greece

    Ch. Christodoulou & D. Skarlos

  3. Ag. Anargyri Hospital, Athens, Greece

    S. K. Rigatos & Th. Giannakakis

  4. SOLCA Oncology Group, Sotiria Hospital, Athens, Greece

    O. Armenaki, D. Antoniou, P. Giamboudakis, J. Dimitroulis, N. Georgatou & K. Katis

  5. Oncology Department, Larissa, Greece

    A. Athanasiadis

Authors
  1. G. P. Stathopoulos
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  2. Ch. Christodoulou
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  3. J. Stathopoulos
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  4. D. Skarlos
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  5. S. K. Rigatos
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  6. Th. Giannakakis
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  7. O. Armenaki
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  8. D. Antoniou
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  9. A. Athanasiadis
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  10. P. Giamboudakis
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  11. J. Dimitroulis
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  12. N. Georgatou
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  13. K. Katis
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Correspondence to G. P. Stathopoulos.

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Stathopoulos, G.P., Christodoulou, C., Stathopoulos, J. et al. Second-line chemotherapy in small cell lung cancer in a modified administration of topotecan combined with paclitaxel: a phase II study. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 57, 796–800 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00280-005-0085-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00280-005-0085-5

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