Trimetrexate in advanced carcinoma of the esophagus.
Twenty-four patients with advanced epidermoid carcinoma of the esophagus were treated with trimetrexate (TMTX), a lipid soluble non-classical antifol. Patients were given TMTX 8 mg/m2 intravenously day 1-5 every 28 days. In nine of these patients the dose was escalated to 12 mg/m2 day 1-5 every 28 days. Three patients had a partial response (95% confidence limit 3-32%) with a median response duration of 14 weeks. No hematologic toxicity was documented. Two patients developed moderate stomatitis and only 3 patients experienced any nausea or vomiting. The median survival of all patients is 12 weeks. It is concluded that a higher dose of TMTX should be studied in patients with esophageal cancer in order to assess the true therapeutic value of the agent at a dose closer to the median tolerated dose. A phase II ECOG study using TMTX 12 mg/m2 intravenously day 1-5 every 21 days is currently being conducted.
Alberts
A S
AS
Department of Medical Oncology, University of Pretoria, Republic of South Africa.
Falkson
G
G
Badata
M
M
Terblanche
A P
AP
Schmid
E U
EU
D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000188:drug therapy; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D011799:Quinazolines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016597:Trimetrexate
D011799:Quinazolines; D016597:Trimetrexate