title: Weekly high-dose cisplatin in malignant pleural mesothelioma.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Cisplatin at conventional doses has marginal activity in mesothelioma. A dose-response relation for cisplatin has been suggested in other tumor types. In a phase I study on weekly cisplatin administration, 3 of 5 patients with mesothelioma responded. Therefore, a phase II study with weekly cisplatin was started with the recommended dose of 80 mg/m2/week for six weeks.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fourteen patients with mesothelioma stage II, with measurable lesions, were treated with cisplatin at a dose of 80 mg/m2 weekly for six weeks. Cisplatin was administered in 3% NaCl and combined with ondansetron as antiemetic.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Five patients had partial responses (response rate 36%; 95% confidence interval 12%-65%) lasting 2-8 months. Seven patients had stable disease. Ototoxicity, grade 2 in 3 patients and grade 3 in 2, was the most troublesome side effect.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Cisplatin given at a higher dose intensity than in conventional schedules is active in mesothelioma. The response duration is short, however, possibly due to lack of effective maintenance therapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Oncology, Rotterdam Cancer Institute/Dr. Daniel den Hoed Kliniek, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: A S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Planting
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Schellens
authors.forename: S H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Goey
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: van der Burg
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: de Boer-Dennert
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Stoter
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Verweij
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002945:Cisplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008654:Mesothelioma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010997:Pleural Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D002945:Cisplatin