title: A modified shortened administration schedule for neoadjuvant chemotherapy with irinotecan and cisplatin in locally advanced cervical cancer.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The commonly used administration schedule of irinotecan in combination therapy with cisplatin in cervical cancer was once weekly for 3 weeks. To some extent, this administration schedule may be inconvenient for patients who were far from hospital. The aim of the current study is to investigate the efficacy and toxicities of a modified shortened administration schedule for neoadjuvant chemotherapy with irinotecan and cisplatin in locally advanced cervical cancer.
  
  
  METHODS
  We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of patients with cervical cancer who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy with irinotecan and cisplatin delivered by the modified administration schedule at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center from November 2005 to May 2010. Irinotecan was administrated by intravenous infusion for 1 hour at a dose of 80 mg/m on days 1 and 8. Cisplatin was administrated intravenously at a total dose of 60 to 70 mg/m, which was infused on day 1 or was divided into 2 or 3 doses and given on days 1 to 2 or 3. The treatment was repeated every 3 weeks.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The total response rate was 78.8% (42/52), including a complete response and partial response rate of 11.5% (6/52) and 67.3% (35/52), respectively. Pathologically confirmed complete response was noted in 7.7% (4/52) of patients. Stable disease was observed in 17.3% (9/52) of patients and progression disease in 3.8% (2/52) of patients. Diarrhea and hematological toxicity were the major dose-limiting toxicities. Diarrhea occurred in 23.1% of patients with grades 1, 2, and 3 in 11.5%, 7.7%, and 3.8% of patients, respectively. No grade 4 diarrhea was noted. Grade 3/4 neutropenia developed in 7.7% (4/52) of patients. Grade 3/4 anemia occurred in 19.2% (10/52) of patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The modified shortened administration schedule of combined therapy with irinotecan and cisplatin may be active against cervical cancer as neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The adverse effects could be controllable.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Yufeng
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Ren
authors.forename: Yanfang
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Jihong
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Liu
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D002166:Camptothecin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D002945:Cisplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D018450:Disease Progression; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D000077146:Irinotecan; D008875:Middle Aged; D020360:Neoadjuvant Therapy; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D000077146:Irinotecan; D002945:Cisplatin; D002166:Camptothecin