Assessing the ability of the antiangiogenic and anticytokine agent thalidomide to modulate radiation-induced lung injury.
Journal Article (Journal Article)
PURPOSE: Thalidomide has broad anticytokine properties, which might protect normal tissues in patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy. The purpose of this study was to determine the maximal tolerated dose of thalidomide when used in combination with vinorelbine plus thoracic radiotherapy. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Eligible patients had inoperable Stage III non-small-cell lung cancer, a Karnofsky Performance Status>or=70, and life expectancy>or=6 months. Patients underwent pretreatment evaluation of lung function. Radiotherapy consisted of 66 Gy in 6.5 weeks. Vinorelbine was administered i.v. (5 mg/m2) 3 times per week just before radiotherapy. Thalidomide was begun at 50 mg, p.o., on day 1 of chemoradiotherapy and continued once daily for 6 months. Side effects were scored using National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria. RESULTS: Ten patients were enrolled. Of the first 6 patients, 2 developed major thrombotic events that were believed to be possibly related to thalidomide. The study was suspended and modified to require prophylactic anticoagulation. Of the last 4 patients, 2 developed dose-limiting toxicity attributable to thalidomide; both patients required a dose reduction of thalidomide to <50 mg/day. Because the drug is not available in an oral product providing <50 mg/day, the study was closed. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of thalidomide concurrently with thoracic radiotherapy and vinorelbine resulted in excessive toxicity.
Full Text
Duke Authors
- Crawford, Jeffrey
- Dewhirst, Mark Wesley
- Garst, Jennifer Lynn
- Herndon II, James Emmett
- Larrier, Nicole A.
Cited Authors
- Anscher, MS; Garst, J; Marks, LB; Larrier, N; Dunphy, F; Herndon, JE; Clough, R; Marino, C; Vujaskovic, Z; Zhou, S; Dewhirst, MW; Shafman, TD; Crawford, J
Published Date
- October 1, 2006
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 66 / 2
Start / End Page
- 477 - 482
PubMed ID
- 16904841
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
- 0360-3016
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2006.05.031
Language
- eng
Conference Location
- United States