Phase I clinical trials in 85 patients with gynecologic cancer: the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center experience

Gynecol Oncol. 2010 Jun;117(3):467-72. doi: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2010.02.008. Epub 2010 Mar 26.

Abstract

Objective: Disseminated gynecologic cancers are usually fatal due to chemoresistance. Recently, rationally developed, targeted agents are entering the early clinical trials setting. We assessed patients with metastatic gynecologic cancers in a dedicated phase I clinical trials clinic in order to determine their outcome.

Methods: We reviewed records for 89 consecutive patients with gynecologic cancers referred to the Phase I Clinical Trials Program, 85 (96%) of whom were treated on > or = 1 trial.

Results: Cancer diagnoses were ovarian (N=43), uterine (N=19), cervix (N=17), and other. Median age was 58 years; median number of prior cytotoxic regimens, five. Two patients (2.4%) achieved a CR; four (4.7%), a PR; and eight (9.4%), SD > or = 6 months (total CR/PR/SD > or = 6 months=16.5%) for the first phase I trial. Twenty-five patients enrolled on a second trial and three, on a third (N=113 trials total). Combining response data for all trials, of the 85 patients, two achieved CR (2.4%), nine achieved PR (10.6%), and 12 (14%) had SD for > or = 6 months. One-year survival was 30% (95% CI, 21% to 44%). There was no difference in time-to-treatment failure (TTF) on phase I versus the patient's last standard treatment.

Conclusion: Twenty-three of 85 patients (27%) with advanced, heavily pretreated, gynecologic cancers achieved CR/PR/SD > or = 6 months on a phase I trial, and overall TTF on phase I was comparable to that of last conventional therapy, suggesting that participation in a phase I trial is a reasonable option for these patients.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial, Phase I
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / administration & dosage*
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / adverse effects
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Female
  • Genital Neoplasms, Female / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents