Phase I trial of weekly trabectedin (ET-743) and gemcitabine in patients with advanced solid tumors.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of trabectedin plus gemcitabine administered on a weekly schedule in patients with advanced solid tumors.


METHODS
Patients with ECOG performance status 0-1 and adequate organ function were enrolled. On days 1, 8, and 15 of a 28-day cycle, patients received gemcitabine (starting dose, 800 mg/m(2)) followed by trabectedin (starting dose, 0.3 mg/m(2)). Strict liver function test treatment criteria were employed to avoid hepatic toxicity seen in previous trabectedin studies. Plasma samples were collected during cycles 1 and 2 for pharmacokinetic analyses.


RESULTS
Fifteen patients received >or=1 dose, with a median of two treatment cycles (range 1-10). The most common drug-related toxicity was hepatic. Dose reductions were required for trabectedin in four (27%) patients and gemcitabine in six (40%) patients. Cycle delays/dose holds were required in 11 (73%) patients and doses above trabectedin 0.4 mg/m(2) and gemcitabine 1,000 mg/m(2), which is the recommended phase II dose, were not feasible. Seven patients maintained stable disease after two cycles. Gemcitabine and trabectedin pharmacokinetics were not altered substantially with concomitant administration.


CONCLUSIONS
Given the lack of pharmacokinetic interaction and potential efficacy of trabectedin and gemcitabine combination therapy, further study is warranted with alternate schedules.
Messersmith
Wells A
WA
University of Colorado Cancer Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA. wells.messersmith@uchsc.edu
Jimeno
Antonio
A
Ettinger
David
D
Laheru
Dan
D
Brahmer
Julie
J
Lansey
Dina
D
Khan
Yasmin
Y
Donehower
Ross C
RC
Elsayed
Yusri
Y
Zannikos
Peter
P
Hidalgo
Manuel
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / Q000209:etiology; D003841:Deoxycytidine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D004149:Dioxoles / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006402:Hematologic Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020714:Maximum Tolerated Dose; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D044005:Tetrahydroisoquinolines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D000077606:Trabectedin; D000093542:Gemcitabine
D004149:Dioxoles; D044005:Tetrahydroisoquinolines; D003841:Deoxycytidine; D000077606:Trabectedin; D000093542:Gemcitabine