title: Phase II trial of topotecan in malignant melanoma.
abstract: Topotecan (S-9-dimethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin hydrochloride SKF 104864-A) is a semisynthetic analog of the alkaloid camptothecin and, similar to the parent compound, a potent inhibitor of topoisomerase I. The cytotoxicity induced by topotecan appears due to interference with the normal breakage reunion reaction of topoisomerase I leading to DNA damage and cell death. Since preclinical studies of topotecan suggested antitumor activity against refractory solid tumors, a phase II trial of the drug was initiated in melanoma patients with recurrent and/or metastatic disease. Topotecan 1.5 mg/m2 was given as a daily 30-min infusion for 5 days and repeated every 21-28 days. Seventeen patients were entered into the treatment program with all evaluable for toxicity but I patient, inevaluable for response. There were no objective responses. Toxicity was predominantly severe myelosuppression, which occurred in 12 of 17 (70%) patients. Topotecan in this dose and schedule is inactive in malignant melanoma.
authors.affiliation: Division of Hematology and Oncology, Ohio State University, Columbus 43210, USA.
authors.forename: E H
authors.initials: EH
authors.lastname: Kraut
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Walker
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Staubus
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Gochnour
authors.forename: S P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Balcerzak
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002166:Camptothecin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000556:secondary; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000188:drug therapy; D019772:Topotecan
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D019772:Topotecan; D002166:Camptothecin