Phase I trial of tirapazamine and cyclophosphamide in children with refractory solid tumors: a pediatric oncology group study.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the dose limiting toxicity (DLT), maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), and pharmacokinetic profile of tirapazamine (Sanofi Synthelabo Research, Malvern, PA) combined with cyclophosphamide in children with recurrent solid tumors.


METHODS
Patients received a 2-hour infusion of tirapazamine, followed by 1,500 mg/m(2) cyclophosphamide, and mesna once every 3 weeks. Dose escalation of tirapazamine began at 250 mg/m(2) and was increased by 30% in subsequent cohorts. If DLT was hematologic, less-heavily pretreated patients were to be enrolled until their DLTs were encountered, and MTDs defined. Pharmacokinetic profiles were also characterized.


RESULTS
Twenty-three patients were enrolled onto the study. Pharmacokinetic data were calculated for 22 patients. Prolonged neutropenia was the DLT at 420 mg/m(2) in heavily pretreated patients. Grade 3, reversible ototoxicity was the DLT in less-heavily pretreated patients at 420 mg/m(2). Two (one with neuroblastoma and one with rhabdomyosarcoma) had partial responses. One child with neuroblastoma had prolonged stable disease (10 cycles) at a dose of 250 mg/m(2). This patient had disease detectable in the bone marrow only and all evidence of bone marrow involvement resolved for 17 cycles of therapy. Four other patients had stable disease. An apparent dose-proportional increase in tirapazamine maximal concentration and area under the curve(last) was observed. Tirapazamine clearance, volume of distribution at steady-state, and terminal half-life did not appear to be dose-dependent.


CONCLUSIONS
The recommended dose of tirapazamine given with 1,500 mg/m(2) of cyclophosphamide once every 3 weeks is 325 mg/m(2). Neutropenia and ototoxicity were dose-limiting. Based on early evidence of antitumor activity, additional studies appear warranted.
Aquino
Victor M
VM
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA. victor.aquino@utsouthwestern.edu
Weitman
Steve D
SD
Winick
Naomi J
NJ
Blaney
Susan
S
Furman
Wayne L
WL
Kepner
James L
JL
Bonate
Peter
P
Krailo
Mark
M
Qu
Wenchun
W
Bernstein
Mark
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009503:Neutropenia / Q000139:chemically induced; D000077704:Tirapazamine; D014227:Triazines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D014227:Triazines; D000077704:Tirapazamine; D003520:Cyclophosphamide