title: Dimethyl triazeno imidazole carboxamide and combination therapy for melanoma. IV. Late results after complete response to chemotherapy (Central Oncology Group protocols 7130, 7131, and 7131A).
abstract: The results of three Phase III studies of DTIC in 580 patients with metastatic melanoma were reviewed to evaluate the subsequent course of 26 patients who achieved a complete response (CR) to chemotherapy. The majority (17 of 26) of these patients had soft tissue metastases. Six of the 26 patients remained in CR at last report (30-259 weeks), two died of other causes while remaining free of melanoma, and 18 relapsed and died. Ninety-five percent of the 26 patients were alive at 1 year, and survival was 31.1% at 72 months. Seven of the eight patients with sustained remission received chemotherapy for at least 6 months after CR developed, whereas 10 of 18 relapsing patients were treated for less than 6 months after CR was achieved. Long-term sustained CR to chemotherapy occurs in 1% to 2% of patients treated with DTIC, and late relapse is rare in patients who remain in CR for 2 years.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002330:Carmustine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003606:Dacarbazine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006918:Hydroxyurea / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008130:Lomustine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012983:Soft Tissue Neoplasms / Q000556:secondary; D013997:Time Factors; D014750:Vincristine / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D014750:Vincristine; D008130:Lomustine; D003606:Dacarbazine; D002330:Carmustine; D006918:Hydroxyurea