Combination chemotherapy with docetaxel and irinotecan in metastatic malignant melanoma.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the current trial was to assess the efficacy and toxicity of 3-weekly intravenous docetaxel and irinotecan in the treatment of patients with metastatic malignant melanoma.


METHODS
Sixteen patients with no history of previous cytotoxic agents or immunological treatment for advanced disease were treated with docetaxel 50 mg/m2 and irinotecan 150 mg/m2 intravenously over 60 min every 21 days. Prior immunotherapy with interferon and chemotherapy for adjuvant therapies were accepted provided there was a minimum 4-week treatment-free interval. Response evaluation was performed after two cycles.


RESULTS
None of the patients had chemotherapy-induced tumour response. Eight patients achieved stable disease and others had progression of disease. The median survival time was 136 days (95% CI: 30.2-241.8), and the 3-month survival rate was 62.5%. Patients with stable disease (n = 8) had a longer survival than non-responders (P = 0.023, Breslow test). Generally side effects were mild and tolerable. Grade III-IV haematological toxicity occurred in approximately 10%. Severe emesis, stomatitis and diarrhoea was seen in less than 20% of the patients. Alopecia was observed in all patients.


CONCLUSIONS
A 3-weekly intravenous docetaxel and irinotecan combination appears to be inactive in the treatment of patients with malignant melanoma and has not been recommended.
Tas
F
F
Institute of Oncology, University of Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey.
Camlica
H
H
Kurul
S
S
Aydiner
A
A
Topuz
E
E
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002166:Camptothecin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D000077143:Docetaxel; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D000077146:Irinotecan; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D017239:Paclitaxel / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D016019:Survival Analysis; D043823:Taxoids; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D043823:Taxoids; D000077143:Docetaxel; D000077146:Irinotecan; D017239:Paclitaxel; D002166:Camptothecin