Combination Chemotherapy with Docetaxel and Irinotecan in Metastatic Malignant Melanoma

• Published in: Clinical oncology (Royal College of Radiologists (Great Britain)) 2003-05, Vol.15 (3), p.132-135
• Main Authors: Tas, F, Camlica, H, Kurul, S, Aydiner, A, Topuz, E
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols - adverse effects; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols - therapeutic use; Camptothecin - administration & dosage; Camptothecin - analogs & derivatives; Docetaxel, irinotecan, malignant melanoma, metastatic; Drug Administration Schedule; Female; Humans; Infusions, Intravenous; Male; Melanoma - drug therapy; Melanoma - pathology; Middle Aged; Paclitaxel - administration & dosage; Paclitaxel - analogs & derivatives; Skin Neoplasms - drug therapy; Skin Neoplasms - pathology; Survival Analysis; Taxoids; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 0936-6555; 1433-2981
• DOI: 10.1053/clon.2003.0205

Aim: The aim of the current trial was to assess the efficacy and toxicity of 3-weekly intravenous docetaxel and irinotecan in the treatment of patients with metastatic malignant melanoma. Materials and methods: Sixteen patients with no history of previous cytotoxic agents or immunological treatment for advanced disease were treated with docetaxel 50mg/m2 and irinotecan 150mg/m2 intravenously over 60min every 21 days. Prior immunotherapy with interferon and chemotherapy for adjuvant therapies were accepted provided there was a minimum 4-week treatment-free interval. Response evaluation was performed after two cycles. Results: None of the patients had chemotherapy-induced tumour response. Eight patients achieved stable disease and others had progression of disease. The median survival time was 136 days (95% CI: 30.2–241.8), and the 3-month survival rate was 62.5%. Patients with stable disease (n=8) had a longer survival than non-responders (P=0.023, Breslow test). Generally side effects were mild and tolerable. Grade III–IV haematological toxicity occurred in approximately 10%. Severe emesis, stomatitis and diarrhoea was seen in less than 20% of the patients. Alopecia was observed in all patients. Conclusion: A 3-weekly intravenous docetaxel and irinotecan combination appears to be inactive in the treatment of patients with malignant melanoma and has not been recommended. Copyright 2003 The Royal College of Radiologists. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.