Use of a topoisomerase I inhibitor (irinotecan, CPT-11) in metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma.
BACKGROUND
Complete responses are rare after medical treatment of adrenocortical tumors. We performed a single center prospective study of the antitumor effect of irinotecan (CPT-11) in patients with metastatic adrenocortical cancer.


METHODS
Since 1999, all patients with advanced progressive adrenocortical carcinoma, referred to the Institut Gustave-Roussy, have been enrolled prospectively in this study. CPT-11 (250 mg/m(2)) was administered intravenously on day 1 in a 2-h infusion, every 14 days. World Health Organization (WHO) criteria were used to evaluate tumor response and toxicity.


RESULTS
During treatment, no dose or schedule modifications were made. A median of three courses were given (range 1-8), and all but two patients received at least three complete chemotherapy courses. No objective or complete responses were observed. The best response achieved was stabilization in three patients, lasting from 1.5 to 4 months. Significant toxicity occurred in two patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results do not support a major role of CPT-11 in adrenocortical carcinoma.
Baudin
E
E
Service de Médecine Nucléaire et de Cancérologie Endocrinienne, Institut Gustave-Roussy, Villejuif. baudin@igr.fr
Docao
C
C
Gicquel
C
C
Vassal
G
G
Bachelot
A
A
Penfornis
A
A
Schlumberger
M
M
D000306:Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology*; D018268:Adrenocortical Carcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology*; D000328:Adult; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D002166:Camptothecin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D000077146:Irinotecan; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D015996:Survival Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000077146:Irinotecan; D002166:Camptothecin