A Phase II trial of carboplatin and vinblastine in the treatment of advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus

Article Abstract:

Cisplatin is an effective treatment for several forms of cancer, including esophageal cancer. In an effort to reduce the adverse side effects associated with cisplatin, a derivative compound was prepared. Now called carboplatin, this derivative causes less vomiting and is less toxic to the kidney than cisplatin. Carboplatin has been approved for the treatment of ovarian cancer, and is under investigation for the treatment of other cancers. The agent has also been found to have some activity against head and neck cancer, small cell lung cancer, and genitourinary cancers. Preliminary studies suggested that carboplatin might be useful in treating esophageal cancer, as well. Chemotherapeutic regimens containing cisplatin yield response rates between 25 and 35 percent in patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. In an effort to maintain this response rate, while reducing the adverse effects, 19 patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus were treated with a regimen containing carboplatin and vinblastine. No significant toxic effects were seen, and the vomiting and diarrhea observed were mild. Unfortunately, the regimen was ineffective against the cancer, and no major response occurred in any of the patients. Carboplatin is less toxic, but also seems to be less effective, than cisplatin in the treatment of advanced esophageal cancer. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Squamous cell carcinoma, Esophageal cancer, Platinum compounds, Cisplatin, Carboplatin

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Interferon alpha-2a and 5-fluorouracil for advanced colorectal carcinoma: assessment of activity and toxicity

Article Abstract:

The most effective agent in the chemotherapeutic treatment of colorectal cancer is 5-fluorouracil. Some studies have found that substances like leucovorin and methotrexate modulate the response of the tumor to 5-fluorouracil and produce an improved response rate and, perhaps, a modest increase in survival. In cancer research, however, even a modest increase is incentive for continued research, and some preliminary studies have suggested that interferon alpha-2a may also modulate the response of colorectal cancer in a favorable fashion. In the present study, interferon was used to augment the treatment of 38 cases of advanced colorectal cancer with 5-fluorouracil. Toxic neurological effects, consisting of dizziness and gait disturbance were observed in 13 patients; mucositis (inflammation of mucous membranes) occurred in 22 patients. A total of 84 percent of the patients required a reduction in the dose of interferon due to the severity of the toxic effects. Of the 35 patients who could be evaluated, 9 had a partial response and 7 had a minor response. These results are not substantially different from those which might be expected with treatment using 5-fluorouracil alone. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Complications and side effects, Interferon, Fluorouracil

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A Phase II trail of recombinant tumor necrosis factor in patients with advanced colorectal carcinoma

Article Abstract:

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a natural cytokine secreted by macrophages, cells with immune functions. Great excitement accompanied the discovery that TNF seems to have a specific toxic effect on cancer cells. The application of DNA technology has now made possible the large-scale production of TNF, and the anticancer activity of TNF was evaluated in 16 patients who had relapsed or developed metastases after treatment for colorectal cancer. Only 14 patients were fully evaluable; unfortunately, none of these showed any response to treatment with TNF. Considerable toxicity was observed, however, including liver toxicity which was greater than that previously reported to occur during TNF treatment. In addition, two patients developed blood clots in the veins of their retina, which may have been a consequence of TNF treatment. The results provide no evidence for the effectiveness of TNF against colorectal cancer. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Drug therapy, Tumor necrosis factor

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