title: Targeting the EWS-FLI1 transcription factor in Ewing sarcoma.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Preclinical data indicate there is strong synergism of action against Ewing sarcoma in sequential treatment with trabectedin followed by irinotecan and it appears to be related to a selective blockade of the transcription factor EWS-FLI1. This combination was evaluated in Ewing sarcoma patient who was progressing with standard therapies.
  
  
  METHODS
  Trabectedin was given as a 24-h iv infusion on day 1 at the dose of 1 mg/sqm, and irinotecan 75 mg/sqm on day 2 and then on days 2 and 4, every 3 weeks from the seventh course.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The therapy was well tolerated with transient hematological toxicity and transaminitis and induced stabilization of the disease lasting for 11 courses, with clinical improvement and marked reduction of the need for opioids. However, shortly before the 12th course, sudden death occurred, possibly due to cerebral stroke, presumably not related to the drug treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The encouraging clinical benefit observed with the combination and its good tolerability deserves further investigation in Ewing sarcoma.
authors: Medical Oncology Unit, I.R.C.C.S. Salvatore Maugeri Foundation, Via Salvatore Maugeri, 10, 27100, Pavia, Italy.
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Tancredi
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Zambelli
authors: G A
authors: GA
authors: DaPrada
authors: V
authors: V
authors: Fregoni
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Pavesi
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Riccardi
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Burdach
authors: P J
authors: PJ
authors: Grohar
authors: M
authors: M
authors: D'Incalci
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002166:Camptothecin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004149:Dioxoles / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D000077146:Irinotecan; D008297:Male; D015514:Oncogene Proteins, Fusion / Q000378:metabolism*; D051789:Proto-Oncogene Protein c-fli-1 / Q000378:metabolism*; D034802:RNA-Binding Protein EWS / Q000378:metabolism*; D012512:Sarcoma, Ewing / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D044005:Tetrahydroisoquinolines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077606:Trabectedin
chemical_list: D004149:Dioxoles; C106031:EWS-FLI fusion protein; D015514:Oncogene Proteins, Fusion; D051789:Proto-Oncogene Protein c-fli-1; D034802:RNA-Binding Protein EWS; D044005:Tetrahydroisoquinolines; D000077146:Irinotecan; D000077606:Trabectedin; D002166:Camptothecin