Recombinant human interleukin-3 to dose-intensify carboplatin and cyclophosphamide chemotherapy in epithelial ovarian cancer: a phase I trial.
OBJECTIVE
To define the optimal dose of recombinant human interleukin-3 (rhIL-3) required to intensify the dose of carboplatin and cyclophosphamide for advanced epithelial ovarian cancer.


METHODS
Seventeen patients were treated on day 1 with carboplatin (dose adjusted for creatinine clearance: range, 257 to 385 mg/m2; median, 300 mg/m2) and cyclophosphamide (750 mg/m2). rhIL-3 5 micrograms/kg/d (n = 10) or 10 micrograms/kg/d (n = 7) was administered subcutaneously (SC) on days 2 through 11. Carboplatin dose was escalated if no postponement of cycles 1 to 3 had occurred.


RESULTS
A 3-week interval was achieved in 62% of cycles and a 4-week interval in 81%, with no difference between the rhIL-3 doses. A neutrophil nadir less than 0.5 x 10(9)/L occurred in 35% of the cycles at 5 micrograms/kg/d and in 52% at 10 micrograms/kg/d of rhIL-3 (nonsignificant difference). The mean platelet nadir in cycle 1 was 173 +/- 78 x 10(9)/L at 5 micrograms/kg/d and 340 +/- 152 x 10(9)/L at 10 micrograms/kg/d of rhIL-3 (P < .05), with a faster recovery of platelets at 10 micrograms/kg/d (P < .05). Progressive myelotoxicity occurred for leukocytes and platelets at both rhIL-3 doses and required chemotherapy postponement in later cycles. The planned six cycles were completed by 41% of patients. Fever (> or = 38.5 degrees C) occurred in 38% of cycles at 5 micrograms/kg/d and in 97% at 10 micrograms/kg/d (P < .0005); headache and myalgias occurred in 30% and 44%, respectively. After two cycles, diffuse erythema, facial edema, and urticaria were observed in two patients at 5 micrograms/kg/d and in five patients at 10 micrograms/kg/d of rhIL-3. This resolved after discontinuation of rhIL-3 and administration of corticosteroids and antihistamines.


CONCLUSIONS
A dose of 5 micrograms/kg/d of rhIL-3 proved to be optimal to intensify the carboplatin and cyclophosphamide regimen. It permitted the administration of carboplatin and cyclophosphamide combination therapy every 3 weeks in 62% of cycles.
Veldhuis
G J
GJ
Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Groningen, The Netherlands.
Willemse
P H
PH
van Gameren
M M
MM
Aalders
J G
JG
Mulder
N H
NH
Mull
B
B
Biesma
B
B
de Vries
E G
EG
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016190:Carboplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005334:Fever / Q000209:etiology; D006261:Headache / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007377:Interleukin-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009503:Neutropenia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control
D007377:Interleukin-3; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D003520:Cyclophosphamide; D016190:Carboplatin