Remission re-induction chemotherapy with clofarabine, topotecan, thiotepa, and vinorelbine for patients with relapsed or refractory leukemia.
BACKGROUND
We determined the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of clofarabine when administered with topotecan, vinorelbine, thiotepa, and dexamethasone (TVTC) for children with relapsed or refractory acute leukemia, and observed the efficacy and toxicities of this therapy.


METHODS
Twelve patients with acute lymphoblastic or myeloblastic leukemia were given a 14-day remission induction therapy. Clofarabine was administered at a dose of 30 or 40 mg/m(2)/day over 2 hr for five consecutive days in six patients each. Patients who achieved a remission proceeded to a stem cell transplant (HSCT). A second cycle could be administered prior to HSCT.


RESULTS
Of the six patients at the 30 mg/m(2) clofarabine dose, two achieved a complete response (CR) and one a PR and proceeded to BMT. Three patients had progressive disease. Five of the six patients at the 40 mg/m(2) achieved a CR. Four proceeded to HSCT, and one relapsed prior to HSCT. One patient died on day 45 with marrow hypoplasia without evidence of leukemia. Hematologic and infectious adverse events were universal. The one dose limiting non-infectious toxicity observed was prolonged marrow hypoplasia.


CONCLUSIONS
TVTC has significant anti-leukemic activity in both acute lymphoblastic and myeloblastic leukemia. The MTD of clofarabine is 40 mg/m(2)/day in this combination. This is the recommended dose for the phase II study in patients with refractory or relapsed leukemia, a population which has limited therapeutic options.
Steinherz
Peter G
PG
Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA. steinhep@mskcc.org
Shukla
Neerav
N
Kobos
Rachel
R
Steinherz
Laurel
L
D000227:Adenine Nucleotides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001087:Arabinonucleosides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D000077866:Clofarabine; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D005260:Female; D018380:Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D015470:Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D020714:Maximum Tolerated Dose; D054198:Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D012008:Recurrence; D012074:Remission Induction; D016879:Salvage Therapy; D013852:Thiotepa / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D019772:Topotecan / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D014747:Vinblastine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D000077235:Vinorelbine
D000227:Adenine Nucleotides; D001087:Arabinonucleosides; D014747:Vinblastine; D000077866:Clofarabine; D019772:Topotecan; D013852:Thiotepa; D000077235:Vinorelbine