Modulation of irinotecan with cyclosporine: a phase II trial in advanced colorectal cancer.
BACKGROUND
Despite the extensive clinical experience with irinotecan, significant concerns remain regarding its toxicity. In a phase I trial, we modulated irinotecan pharmacokinetics by inhibiting biliary excretion of SN-38, the active metabolite of irinotecan, using cyclosporine. The modulation appeared to decrease the gastrointestinal toxicity of irinotecan and suggested that irinotecan activity might also be retained. Hence, we conducted this phase II trial in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) to further evaluate the toxicity and activity of irinotecan modulated with cyclosporine.


METHODS
Sixteen patients with 5-fluorouracil refractory CRC were treated. Cyclosporine (5 mg/kg) was administered as a 6-h infusion and irinotecan (60 mg/m2/day, 90-min infusion) was started 3 h after initiation of the Cyclosporine. Both agents were given weekly for 4 weeks, every 6 weeks. Responses were assessed every 12 weeks, and toxicity was monitored weekly.


RESULTS
Sixteen patients were evaluable for toxicity and 11 for response. There was 1 partial response (6%). Five patients had SD lasting a median of 12 weeks. Grade 3/4 diarrhea was observed in only 13% of the patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Pharmacokinetic modulation of irinotecan using parenteral cyclosporine appears to decrease the incidence of diarrhea in CRC patients. Given the modest activity of irinotecan monotherapy, a larger study would be required to assess if the modulation improves the toxicity without compromising this activity. The available clinical data suggest that pharmacokinetic modulation of irinotecan should be evaluated further to define its optimal clinical utility.
Desai
Apurva A
AA
Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, MC 2115, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. adesai@medicine.bsd.uchicago.edu
Kindler
Hedy L
HL
Taber
David
D
Agamah
Edem
E
Mani
Sridhar
S
Wade-Oliver
Kurombi
K
Ratain
Mark J
MJ
Vokes
Everett E
EE
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002166:Camptothecin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004347:Drug Interactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077146:Irinotecan; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D000077146:Irinotecan; D016572:Cyclosporine; D002166:Camptothecin