scholarly journals Phase III Trial Comparing Concurrent Biochemotherapy With Cisplatin, Vinblastine, Dacarbazine, Interleukin-2, and Interferon Alfa-2b With Cisplatin, Vinblastine, and Dacarbazine Alone in Patients With Metastatic Malignant Melanoma (E3695): A Trial Coordinated by the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group

2008 ◽  
Vol 26 (35) ◽  
pp. 5748-5754 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael B. Atkins ◽  
Jessie Hsu ◽  
Sandra Lee ◽  
Gary I. Cohen ◽  
Lawrence E. Flaherty ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Overall Survival ◽  
Metastatic Melanoma ◽  
Interleukin 2 ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Response Rates ◽  
Interferon Alfa ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
Phase Iii Trial ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
Median Progression Free Survival

Purpose Phase II trials with biochemotherapy (BCT) have shown encouraging response rates in metastatic melanoma, and meta-analyses and one phase III trial have suggested a survival benefit. In an effort to determine the relative efficacy of BCT compared with chemotherapy alone, a phase III trial was performed within the United States Intergroup. Patients and Methods Patients were randomly assigned to receive cisplatin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (CVD) either alone or concurrent with interleukin-2 and interferon alfa-2b (BCT). Treatment cycles were repeated at 21-day intervals for a maximum of four cycles. Tumor response was assessed after cycles 2 and 4, then every 3 months. Results Four hundred fifteen patients were enrolled, and 395 patients (CVD, n = 195; BCT, n = 200) were deemed eligible and assessable. The two study arms were well balanced for stratification factors and other prognostic factors. Response rate was 19.5% for BCT and 13.8% for CVD (P = .140). Median progression-free survival was significantly longer for BCT than for CVD (4.8 v 2.9 months; P = .015), although this did not translate into an advantage in either median overall survival (9.0 v 8.7 months) or the percentage of patients alive at 1 year (41% v 36.9%). More patients experienced grade 3 or worse toxic events with BCT than CVD (95% v 73%; P = .001). Conclusion Although BCT produced slightly higher response rates and longer median progression-free survival than CVD alone, this was not associated with either improved overall survival or durable responses. Considering the extra toxicity and complexity, this concurrent BCT regimen cannot be recommended for patients with metastatic melanoma.

Dacarbazine, Cisplatin, and Interferon-Alfa-2b With or Without Interleukin-2 in Metastatic Melanoma: A Randomized Phase III Trial (18951) of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Melanoma Group

2005 ◽  
Vol 23 (27) ◽  
pp. 6747-6755 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulrich Keilholz ◽  
Cornelis J.A. Punt ◽  
Martin Gore ◽  
Wim Kruit ◽  
Poulam Patel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Metastatic Melanoma ◽  
Single Agent ◽  
Interleukin 2 ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Interferon Alfa ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Phase Iii Trial ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
To Receive

Background Based on phase II trial results, chemoimmunotherapy combinations have become the preferred treatment for patients with metastatic melanoma in many institutions. This study was performed to determine whether interleukin-2 (IL-2) as a component of chemoimmunotherapy influences survival of patients with metastatic melanoma. Patients and Methods Patients with advanced metastatic melanoma were randomly assigned to receive dacarbazine 250 mg/m2 and cisplatin 30 mg/m2 on days 1 to 3 combined with interferon-alfa-2b 10 × 106 U/m2 subcutaneously on days 1 through 5 without (arm A) or with (arm B) a high-dose intravenous decrescendo regimen of IL-2 on days 5 through 10 (18 × 106 U/m2/6 hours, 18 × 106 U/m2/12 hours, 18 × 106 U/m2/24 hours, and 4.5 × 106 U/m2 for 3 × 24 hours). Treatment cycles were repeated in the absence of disease progression every 28 days to a maximum of four cycles. Results Three hundred sixty-three patients with advanced metastatic melanoma were accrued. The median survival was 9 months in both arms, with a 2-year survival rate of 12.9% and 17.6% in arms A and B, respectively (P = .32; hazard ratio, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.72 to 1.11). There was also no statistically significant difference regarding progression-free survival (median, 3.0 v 3.9 months) and response rate (22.8% v 20.8%). Conclusion Despite its activity in melanoma as a single agent or in combination with interferon-alfa-2b, the chosen schedule of IL-2 added to the chemoimmunotherapy combination had no clinically relevant activity.

Phase III randomized trial of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) plus carboplatin versus carboplatin in platinum-sensitive (PS) patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian or peritoneal carcinoma after failure of initial platinum-based chemotherapy: Southwest Oncology Group Protocol S0200

2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (18_suppl) ◽  
pp. 5551-5551 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. S. Alberts ◽  
P. Y. Liu ◽  
S. Wilczynski ◽  
M. Clouser ◽  
A. Lopez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Overall Survival ◽  
Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Response Rates ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
First Line ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
Platinum Based Chemotherapy ◽  
Carboplatin Auc ◽  
Patient Accrual

5551 Background: There is a continuing debate over the role of combination, platinum-based chemotherapy for PS, recurrent ovarian cancer (OC). Although this phase 3 trial was closed prematurely by the SWOG Data Safety and Monitoring Committee (DSMC) due to slow patient accrual, it provided provocative results nonetheless. Methods: Patients with recurrent stage III or IV OC, with a progression-free and platinum-free interval of 6- 24 months after completion of first-line platinum-based chemotherapy, and up to 12 courses of non-platinum containing chemotherapy or biologic therapy as consolidation treatment after the first-line regimen were eligible and observed for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Patients were randomized to either IV PLD (30 mg/m2) plus IV carboplatin (AUC=5 mg/mL × min) once every 4 weeks (PLD arm) or IV carboplatin (AUC=5mg/ML × min) once every four weeks alone. Results: The PLD arm enrolled 31 patients and the carboplatin alone arm enrolled 30 for a total of 61 patients out of the 900 planned. The response rates were 67% (18/27) for the PLD arm and 32% (9/28) for the carboplatin only arm (Fisher’s exact p=0.02). The estimated median PFS on the PLD arm was 12 months and 8 months on the carboplatin only arm. The estimated median OS on the PLD arm was 26 months and 18 months on the carboplatin only arm (p=0.02). 26% of the patients on the PLD arm reported grade 4 toxicities, all hematological in nature. Conclusions: Although this study was closed early, because of slow patient accrual the results for the PLD arm are intriguing for response rates, median progression-free survival and overall survival. These data suggest that there may be an advantage to the PLD plus carboplatin combination treatment in patients with PS, recurrent disease. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

scholarly journals Phase III trial of chemotherapy using 5-fluorouracil and streptozotocin compared with interferon α for advanced carcinoid tumors: FNCLCC–FFCD 9710

2009 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 1351-1361 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laetitia Dahan ◽  
Frank Bonnetain ◽  
Philippe Rougier ◽  
Jean-Luc Raoul ◽  
Eric Gamelin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Overall Survival ◽  
Sex Ratio ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Carcinoid Tumors ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
Interferon Α ◽  
Metastatic Carcinoid ◽  
Phase Iii Trial ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
Multicenter Phase

The aim of this randomized multicenter phase III trial was to compare chemotherapy and interferon (IFN) in patients with metastatic carcinoid tumors. Patients with documented progressive, unresectable, metastatic carcinoid tumors were randomized between 5-fluorouracil plus streptozotocin (day 1–5) and recombinant IFN-α-2a (3 MU×3 per week). Primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). From February 1998 to June 2004, 64 patients were included. The two arms were well matched for median age, sex ratio, PS 0–1, previous chemotherapy, surgery, or radiotherapy. The median PFS for chemotherapy was 5.5 months versus 14.1 for IFN (hazard ratio=0.75 (0.41–1.36)). Overall survival (OS), tolerance, and effects on carcinoid symptoms were not significantly different. Despite a trend in favor of IFN, there was no difference in PFS and OS in advanced metastatic carcinoid tumors and therapeutic effect of both treatments was mild.

scholarly journals Interferon alfa-2a and interleukin-2 with or without cisplatin in metastatic melanoma: a randomized trial of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Melanoma Cooperative Group.

1997 ◽  
Vol 15 (7) ◽  
pp. 2579-2588 ◽  
Author(s):  
U Keilholz ◽  
S H Goey ◽  
C J Punt ◽  
T M Proebstle ◽  
R Salzmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Metastatic Melanoma ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Interleukin 2 ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Interferon Alfa ◽  
Survival Duration ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
Ifn Alpha ◽  
Cytokine Treatment

PURPOSE The combination of interferon alfa-2a (IFN alpha) and high-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2) is active in metastatic melanoma. The addition of cisplatin (CDDP) has resulted in response rates greater than 50%. This study was performed to determine whether the addition of CDDP to a cytokine treatment regimen with IFN alpha and high-dose IL-2 influences survival of patients with metastatic melanoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with advanced metastatic melanoma were randomly assigned to receive treatment with IFN alpha 10 x 10(6) U/m2 subcutaneously on days 1 through 5 and a high-dose intravenous decrescendo regimen of IL-2 on days 3 through 8 (18 mIU/ m2/6 hours, 18 mIU/m2/12 hours, 18 mIU/m2/24 hours, and 4.5 mIU/m2/24 hours x 3) without (arm A) or with (arm B) CDDP 100 mg/m2 on day 1. Treatment cycles were repeated every 28 days to a maximum of four cycles. RESULTS One hundred thirty-eight patients with advanced metastatic melanoma, of whom 87% had visceral metastases, were accrued for the trial. Both regimens were feasible in a multicenter setting. The objective response rate was 18% without and 33% with CDDP (P = .04). The progression-free survival was 53 days without and 92 days with CDDP (P = .02, Wilcoxon; P = .09, log-rank). There was no statistically significant difference in survival between treatment arms, with a median overall survival duration for all patients of 9 months. CONCLUSION The addition of CDDP to cytokine treatment with IFN alpha and IL-2 does not influence survival of patients with advanced metastatic melanoma, despite a significant increase in response rate and progression-free survival.

Sequential Biochemotherapy Versus Chemotherapy for Metastatic Melanoma: Results From a Phase III Randomized Trial

2002 ◽  
Vol 20 (8) ◽  
pp. 2045-2052 ◽  
Author(s):  
Omar Eton ◽  
Sewa S. Legha ◽  
Agop Y. Bedikian ◽  
J. Jack Lee ◽  
Antonio C. Buzaid ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prognostic Factors ◽  
Metastatic Melanoma ◽  
Multivariate Analyses ◽  
Interleukin 2 ◽  
Therapy Response ◽  
Interferon Alfa ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
Time To Progression ◽  
Phase Iii Trial ◽  
Melanoma Patients

PURPOSE: The addition of cytokines to chemotherapy has produced encouraging results in advanced melanoma. In this phase III trial, we compared the effects of chemotherapy (cisplatin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine [CVD]) with those of sequential biochemotherapy consisting of CVD plus interleukin-2 and interferon alfa-2b. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Metastatic melanoma patients who had not previously received chemotherapy were stratified by prognostic factors and given chemotherapy or biochemotherapy. CVD consisted of dacarbazine (days 1 and 22) and cisplatin and vinblastine (days 1 to 4 and 22 to 25). Biochemotherapy involved CVD with vinblastine reduced 25% plus interleukin-2 by 24-hour continuous infusion (on days 5 to 8, 17 to 20, and 26 to 29) and interferon alfa-2b by subcutaneous injection (on days 5 to 9, 17 to 21, and 26 to 30). Response was assessed every 6 weeks. RESULTS: Among 190 patients enrolled, 91 were assessable for biochemotherapy and 92 for chemotherapy. Ten percent of the patients were alive a median of 52 months from start of therapy. Response rates were 48% for biochemotherapy and 25% for chemotherapy (P = .001); six patients given biochemotherapy and two given chemotherapy had complete responses. Median time to progression (TTP) was 4.9 months for biochemotherapy and 2.4 months for chemotherapy (P = .008); median survival was 11.9 and 9.2 months, respectively (P = .06). The influence of treatment on TTP and survival was confirmed in multivariate analyses with other prognostic factors not included in the original stratification. Biochemotherapy produced substantially more constitutional, hemodynamic, and myelosuppressive toxic effects. CONCLUSION: Cytokines substantially augment the antitumor activity of chemotherapy at the expense of considerable toxicity in patients with metastatic melanoma.

Phase III Trial of Two Investigational Schedules of Ifosfamide Compared With Standard-Dose Doxorubicin in Advanced or Metastatic Soft Tissue Sarcoma: A European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Soft Tissue and Bone Sarcoma Group Study

2007 ◽  
Vol 25 (21) ◽  
pp. 3144-3150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Lorigan ◽  
Jaap Verweij ◽  
Zsuzsa Papai ◽  
Sjoerd Rodenhuis ◽  
Axel Le Cesne ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Overall Survival ◽  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Soft Tissue Sarcoma ◽  
Standard Dose ◽  
Single Agent ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
Advanced Soft Tissue Sarcoma ◽  
Phase Iii Trial ◽  
Free Survival

Purpose Single-agent doxorubicin remains the standard treatment for advanced soft tissue sarcomas. Combining doxorubicin with standard-dose ifosfamide has not been shown to improve survival and is associated with a significantly increased toxicity; it is not known whether higher dose single-agent ifosfamide is superior to doxorubicin. Patients and Methods This randomized prospective multicenter phase III trial was designed to compare progression-free survival of patients with advanced soft tissue sarcoma receiving either regimen of standard doxorubicin 75 mg/m2 every 21 days, ifosfamide 9 g/m2 over 3 days continuous infusion, or ifosfamide 3 g/m2 per day in 3 hours over 3 days. The primary end point was progression-free survival. Secondary end points included overall survival, response rate, and toxicity. Results The study included 326 patients. Grade 4 leukopenia, neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, and encephalopathy were more frequent in the ifosfamide arms. Progression-free survival, overall survival, and response rates were not significantly different between the three arms. An independent data monitoring committee reviewed the interim data and recommended early closure of the trial for futility (ie, no significant difference would be shown). Conclusion Single-agent doxorubicin remains the treatment of choice for patients with advanced soft tissue sarcoma.

Randomized Phase III Trial of Platinum-Doublet Chemotherapy Followed by Gefitinib Compared With Continued Platinum-Doublet Chemotherapy in Japanese Patients With Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Results of a West Japan Thoracic Oncology Group Trial (WJTOG0203)

2010 ◽  
Vol 28 (5) ◽  
pp. 753-760 ◽  
Author(s):  
Koji Takeda ◽  
Toyoaki Hida ◽  
Tosiya Sato ◽  
Masahiko Ando ◽  
Takashi Seto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Overall Survival ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Sequential Therapy ◽  
Small Cell ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
Small Cell Lung ◽  
Phase Iii Trial ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
Doublet Chemotherapy ◽  
Platinum Doublet

Purpose Gefitinib is a small molecule inhibitor of the epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase. We conducted a phase III trial to evaluate whether gefitinib improves survival as sequential therapy after platinum-doublet chemotherapy in patients with advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients and Methods Chemotherapy-naïve patients with advanced stage (IIIB/IV) NSCLC, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 to 1, and adequate organ function were randomly assigned to either platinum-doublet chemotherapy up to six cycles (arm A) or platinum-doublet chemotherapy for three cycles followed by gefitinib 250 mg orally once daily, until disease progression (arm B). Patients were stratified by disease stage, sex, histology, and chemotherapy regimens. The primary end point was overall survival; secondary end points included progression-free survival, tumor response, safety, and quality of life. Results Between March 2003 and May 2005, 604 patients were randomly assigned. There was a statistically significant improvement in progression-free survival in arm B (hazard ratio [HR], 0.68; 95% CI, 0.57 to 0.80; P < .001); however, overall survival results did not reach statistical significance (HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.72 to 1.03; P = .11). In an exploratory subset analysis of overall survival by histologic group, patients in arm B with adenocarcinoma did significantly better than patients in arm A with adenocarcinoma (n = 467; HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.65 to 0.98; P = .03). Conclusion This trial failed to meet the primary end point of OS in patients with NSCLC. The exploratory subset analyses demonstrate a possible survival prolongation for sequential therapy of gefitinib, especially for patients with adenocarcinoma.

scholarly journals Bortezomib, Lenalidomide and Low-Dose Dexamethasone (VRD) Versus Lenalidomide and Low-Dose Dexamethasone (Ld) for Newly-Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma- a Randomized Phase III Study

Blood ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 130 (Suppl_1) ◽  
pp. 906-906
Author(s):  
Anjali Mookerjee ◽  
Ritu Gupta ◽  
Shivali Jasrotia ◽  
Ranjit Sahoo ◽  
Rakesh Kumar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Myeloma ◽  
Low Dose ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Response Rates ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
Stage Iii ◽  
Newly Diagnosed ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
Median Progression Free Survival ◽  
Grade 3

Abstract Background: In this prospective study, we compared VRD with Ld as induction therapy for newly-diagnosed Multiple myeloma patients. The primary objective of this study is to compare the progression-free survival in the 2 arms. Methods: Between September 2014 and Oct 2016, 144 patients have been recruited and randomly assigned to receive 4 cycles of either Bortezomib 1.3 mg/m2 SC on days 1, 8, 15 and 22 with Lenalidomide 15mg/day from day 1 to 14 (Arm A) or Lenalidomide 25 mg/day from day 1 to 21 (Arm B). Patients in both arms received oral dexamethasone 40 mg on days 1,8,15 and 22. Both treatment regimens were 28-day cycles. All patients received 75 mg aspirin daily, acyclovir prophylaxis and monthly zoledronic acid. Response assessment was done at the end of the 4th cycle using the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) uniform response criteria. The study was approved by the Institute Ethics Committee (Ref IEC/NP-264/01-08-2014, RP-7/2014). Results: These are the results from an analysis of 143 patients (arm A-74, arm B-69). Baseline characteristics of patients were similar in both arms with respect to age, gender, ISS and DS stage, immunoglobulin subtype and serum LDH. Patients' median age is 56 years (range 31-70) in arm A and 52 years (range 28-69) in arm B. Gender M/F: Arm A 54/20 and 43/26 in arm B. ISS stage III 51 (68.9%) arm A vs 44 (63.8%) arm B. Serum LDH raised to &gt;250 u/L was observed in 25 (44.6%) vs 31 (52.5%) in arms A and B, p=0.4. Revised staging including ISS and serum LDH at baseline: stage III 47 (81%) and 37 (65%) in arms A and B respectively. 14 (18.9%) and 19 (27.5%) of patients had light chain myeloma in arms A and B respectively. Overall response rates (sCR+CR+VGPR+PR) is 78.4% vs 73.9% in arms A and B respectively, p=0.6; sCR + CR 21 (28.4%) and 21 (30.4%) respectively, p=0.86. Median follow-up 17.1 months (range 1 to 33). Median overall survival (OS) is 30.2 months (95% CI 28.2 to 32.2) and 28.6 months (95%CI 26 to 31.3) in arms A and B respectively, p=0.3. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 27.8 months (95%CI 25.4 to 30.2) and 28 months (95%CI 24.6 to 31.4) respectively, p=0.3. Estimated one-year OS is 88% vs 85% in arms A and B, and PFS 83% vs 72%, respectively. Grade 3 anemia occurred in one patient in arm B, and grade 3 deep vein thromboses in one patient in arm A. One patient in arm A developed grade 4 myelosuppression leading to therapy change at the end of the first cycle. Conclusion: In this analysis - response rates and median progression-free survival are similar in both arms. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Randomized Phase III Trial of Capecitabine Compared With Bevacizumab Plus Capecitabine in Patients With Previously Treated Metastatic Breast Cancer

2005 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 792-799 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathy D. Miller ◽  
Linnea I. Chap ◽  
Frankie A. Holmes ◽  
Melody A. Cobleigh ◽  
P. Kelly Marcom ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Overall Survival ◽  
Metastatic Breast Cancer ◽  
Metastatic Breast ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Response Rates ◽  
Phase Iii ◽  
Phase Iii Trial ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Previously Treated

Purpose This randomized phase III trial compared the efficacy and safety of capecitabine with or without bevacizumab, a monoclonal antibody to vascular endothelial growth factor, in patients with metastatic breast cancer previously treated with an anthracycline and a taxane. Patients and Methods Patients were randomly assigned to receive capecitabine (2,500 mg/m2/d) twice daily on day 1 through 14 every 3 weeks, alone or in combination with bevacizumab (15 mg/kg) on day 1. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS), as determined by an independent review facility. Results From November 2000 to March 2002, 462 patients were enrolled. Treatment arms were balanced. No significant differences were found in the incidence of diarrhea, hand-foot syndrome, thromboembolic events, or serious bleeding episodes between treatment groups. Of other grade 3 or 4 adverse events, only hypertension requiring treatment (17.9% v 0.5%) was more frequent in patients receiving bevacizumab. Combination therapy significantly increased the response rates (19.8% v 9.1%; P = .001); however, this did not result in a longer PFS (4.86 v 4.17 months; hazard ratio = 0.98). Overall survival (15.1 v 14.5 months) and time to deterioration in quality of life as measured by the Functional Assessment Of Cancer Treatment—Breast were comparable in both treatment groups. Conclusion Bevacizumab was well tolerated in this heavily pretreated patient population. Although the addition of bevacizumab to capecitabine produced a significant increase in response rates, this did not translate into improved PFS or overall survival.

Phase II Multicenter Trial of Maintenance Biotherapy After Induction Concurrent Biochemotherapy for Patients With Metastatic Melanoma

2009 ◽  
Vol 27 (36) ◽  
pp. 6207-6212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven J. O'Day ◽  
Michael B. Atkins ◽  
Peter Boasberg ◽  
He-Jing Wang ◽  
John A. Thompson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Overall Survival ◽  
Metastatic Melanoma ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Interleukin 2 ◽  
Progression Free Survival ◽  
Median Number ◽  
Cns Metastases ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
Gm Csf ◽  
Formidable Challenge

Purpose Biochemotherapy improves responses in metastatic melanoma, but not overall survival, in randomized trials. We developed a maintenance biotherapy regimen after induction biochemotherapy in an attempt to improve durability of responses and overall survival. Patients and Methods One hundred thirty-three chemotherapy-naïve patients with metastatic melanoma without CNS metastases were treated at 10 melanoma centers. The biochemotherapy induction regimen included cisplatin, vinblastine, dacarbazine, decrescendo interleukin-2 (IL-2), and interferon alfa-2b with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) cytokine support. Patients not experiencing disease progression were eligible for maintenance biotherapy with low-dose IL-2 and GM-CSF followed by intermittent pulses of decrescendo IL-2 over 12 months. Patients were observed for response, progression-free survival, toxicity, and overall survival. Results The response rate to induction biochemotherapy was 44% (95% CI, 35% to 52%; complete response, 8%; partial response, 36%; stable disease, 29%). The median number of biochemotherapy cycles was four, and the median number of maintenance biotherapy cycles was five. The median progression-free survival was 9 months, and the median survival was 13.5 months. The 12-month and 24-month survival rates were 57% and 23%, respectively. Twenty percent of patients remain alive (12 without disease), with median follow-up of 30 months (95% CI, 25+ to 45+ months). Thirty-nine percent of patients developed CNS metastases. The median times to CNS progression and death were 8 months and 5 months, respectively. Conclusion Maintenance biotherapy after induction biochemotherapy seems to prolong progression-free survival and improve overall survival compared with recent multicenter trials of biochemotherapy or chemotherapy. The regimen should be studied in a randomized clinical trial in patients with advanced metastatic melanoma. CNS progression remains a formidable challenge.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document