Quality of life in colorectal cancer patients treated with doxorubicin and a multi-drug resistance (MDR) modulator (SDZ PSC-833): a pilot study.
BACKGROUND
Next to carcinoma of the bronchus, colorectal cancer (CRC) kills more people than any malignancy. Among the efforts to improve the outcome are studies on multidrug resistance (MDR) modulators combined with doxorubicin.


METHODS
Between November 1996 and August 1997, 10 patients were included in a study employing the MDR-modulator SDZ PSC 833 (5 mg/kg qid 3d/3rd w) and adriamycin (35-45 mg/m2/3rd w). Quality of life (QoL) was measured (EORTC QLQ-C30) at baseline and every 3rd week until progression or patient refusal.


RESULTS
SDZ PSC 833 and doxorubicin worsened the global QoL from 68 to 46.6 (0-100 scale) during 6 weeks. There was no improvement in QoL from cycle 1 to 3. The physical, social, nausea/vomiting and dyspnoea subscales were most affected. Mean performance status (WHO) was only slightly reduced.


CONCLUSIONS
SDZ PSC 833 and doxorubicin did not improve QoL and seemed more toxic than 5-FU containing regimens. If superior data on response and survival are revealed, a cost-utility analysis should be performed.
Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Tromsø, Norway. jnnor@oline.no
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D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D003524:Cyclosporins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004317:Doxorubicin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D018432:Drug Resistance, Multiple; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011788:Quality of Life
D003524:Cyclosporins; D004317:Doxorubicin; C070272:valspodar