Potential clinical applications of epothilones: a review of phase II studies.
BACKGROUND
Epothilones are cytotoxic macrolides that share a similar mechanism of action with the taxanes but demonstrate antitumor activity in taxane-resistant settings. Six epothilones are in early clinical trials for cancer treatment.


METHODS
This review summarizes data from phase II clinical studies of the epothilones ixabepilone (BMS-247550), patupilone (EPO906), and KOS-862. Data were identified by searches of PubMed and of the proceedings of the American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meetings and the Federation of European Cancer Societies biennial conference for the period 2000-2006. Studies were included if safety and efficacy data were available for at least 10 patients with a given tumor type in a standard phase II design.


RESULTS
Epothilones have demonstrated activity in lung, ovarian, breast, prostate, and renal carcinomas and in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in phase II studies. Little or no evidence of clinical activity has been reported in studies of epothilones in other tumor types. Preliminary data indicate that epothilones can be combined safely with other cytotoxic agents such as carboplatin.


CONCLUSIONS
The epothilones may play a role as an alternative to taxanes if activity in resistant settings can be confirmed together with an acceptable toxicity profile. Randomized studies are awaited to investigate the utility of epothilones in single-agent and combination regimens.
Larkin
J M G
JM
Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden Hospital, Sutton, Surrey, UK.
Kaye
S B
SB
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D017322:Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic; D034261:Epothilones / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D008228:Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D050257:Tubulin Modulators / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D034261:Epothilones; D050257:Tubulin Modulators; C430592:ixabepilone; C093788:epothilone B