A phase I trial combining motexafin gadolinium (MGd) with docetaxel in the treatment of advanced solid tumors
13115 Background: MGd is a novel therapeutic agent that concentrates in tumors and generates reactive oxygen species. Pre-clinical models show that MGd enhances in tumors the cytotoxic activity of selected chemotherapies, including taxanes. This phase I trial studied the combination of MGd and docetaxel. Methods: Patients (pts) with advanced solid tumors, adequate bone marrow, hepatic and renal function were eligible. Cohorts of 3 pts were treated with MGd starting at 2.5 mg/kg followed 30 minutes later by docetaxel 75 mg/m2. Treatments were repeated q3wks. The primary objective was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of MGd in combination with docetaxel on this schedule and to determine the dose limiting toxicities (DLT). The secondary objective was to evaluate the response rate. MGd dose was escalated in successive cohorts while docetaxel dose remained fixed. Results: Sixteen pts were entered (9 males, 7 females) at MGd dose of 2.5 to 10 mg/kg. The median age was 60.5 yrs (range 35 -75). ECOG PS0 (4), 1 (14). Diagnoses included prostate (1); ovarian (2); breast (2) and non-small cell lung (NSCLC) (11). Median number of prior chemotherapy regimens: 2 (range 1–14), 7 pts had previously received a taxane: paclitaxel 5, docetaxel 2. Reported toxicities (all grades) include urine discoloration from excretion of MGd (68%), fatigue (87%), diarrhea (81%) and nausea (56%), Grade 3 neutropenia (37.5%) febrile neutropenia (6%), neuropathy (foot drop) was seen in 1 patient, therefore additional pts were entered (4 registered, but 1 never treated) at 10 mg/kg dose. Recurrence of prior radiation esophagitis was seen in 1 pt therefore it was felt that DLT was reached and study was closed. Responses are as follows: PR by CT in 1 breast and 4 NSCLC, and by PSA in 1 prostate; SD by CT in 1 breast and 2 NSCLC. Conclusion: MGd 10 mg/kg in combination with docetaxel 75 mg/m2 is feasible and did not increase docetaxel toxicity while showing promising responses. Phase II study of this combination is underway in NSCLC. [Table: see text]