Oxaliplatin and raltitrexed in the treatment of inoperable malignant pleural mesothelioma: results of a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
The treatment of inoperable malignant pleural mesothelioma is a challenge for the oncologist. Available chemotherapy regimens achieve poor results, therefore new agents or combinations are needed. In a phase I study, the combination of oxaliplatin and raltitrexed was shown to be active against malignant pleural mesothelioma. We herein report the results of a pilot study about the treatment of this disease.


METHODS
From April 1999 to June 2000, we enrolled 11 chemotherapy-naïve patients with inoperable malignant pleural mesothelioma suitable to receive the following combination chemotherapy: raltitrexed, 3 mg/m2 iv, and oxaliplatin, 130 mg/m2, as a 2-hr infusion every 3 weeks.


RESULTS
Four partial responses, 1 regression of disease (objective response rate, 45%; 95% CI, 15.6-74.4%), 4 stable diseases and 2 progressions of disease were observed. An improvement in disease-related symptoms was recorded in all responders and in 2 patients with stable disease. Toxicity was mild, with no toxic-related death and only 1 episode of grade 4 neurotoxicity.


CONCLUSIONS
We consider the combination promising and worthy of further studies.
Maisano
R
R
IST Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genoa, Messina, Italy. maisano@supereva.it
Caristi
N
N
Toscano
G
G
Aragona
M
M
Spadaro
P
P
Amadio
P
P
Mare
M
M
Zavettieri
M
M
La Torre
F
F
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018450:Disease Progression; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008654:Mesothelioma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009944:Organoplatinum Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000077150:Oxaliplatin; D010865:Pilot Projects; D010997:Pleural Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D011799:Quinazolines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D013876:Thiophenes / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D009944:Organoplatinum Compounds; D011799:Quinazolines; D013876:Thiophenes; D000077150:Oxaliplatin; C068874:raltitrexed