Regular Article

British Journal of Cancer (1999) 81, 95–98. doi:10.1038/sj.bjc.6690656 www.bjcancer.com
Published online 13 August 1999

Combination therapy with irinotecan and cisplatin as neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced cervical cancer

T Sugiyama1, T Nishida1, S Kumagai1, S Nishio1, K Fujiyoshi1, N Okura1, M Yakushiji1, M Hiura2 and N Umesaki3

  1. 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahi-machi, Kurume City, 830-0011, Japan
  2. 2National Shikoku Cancer Center, 13 Horinouchi, Matsuyama City, 790-0007, Japan
  3. 3Osaka City University, 1-5-7 Asahi-machi, Abeno-ku, Osaka City, 545-0051, Japan

Received 22 September 1998; Revised 25 March 1999; Accepted 12 April 1999.

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Abstract

To evaluate the response rate and toxicity of the combination of irinotecan (CPT-11) and cisplatin in a neoadjuvant setting, a phase II study was conducted regarding the regimen of this combination in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer. Eligibility included patients with previously untreated stage Ib2, IIb, or IIIb squamous cell carcinoma with good performance status. CPT-11 (60 mg m–2) was administered intravenously on days 1, 8 and 15, followed by cisplatin (60 mg m–2) given intravenously on day 1. Treatment was repeated every 4 weeks for a total of two or three cycles. Among 23 eligible patients (median age: 59 years), three showed complete response (13%), 15 showed partial response (65%), for an overall response rate of 78% (95% confidence interval 58–90%). Stable disease was observed in four cases (17%) and progressive disease in one (4%). The median time to failure and median survival time have not yet been reached. Of the 52 treatment cycles administered, diarrhoea and grade 3 or 4 neutropenia were observed in 10% and 75% respectively. There were no therapy-related deaths. The combination of CPT-11 with cisplatin is a promising regimen for neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced cervical cancer. The toxicities of this regimen are well tolerated.

Keywords:

CPT-11, cisplatin, cervical cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, neoadjuvant chemotherapy

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