
A phase I study of a weekly schedule of paclitaxel and carboplatin in patients with advanced carcinoma.
BACKGROUND: We conducted a Phase I study of weekly paclitaxel (P) and carboplatin (C) in patients with advanced malignancies to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of this combination. METHODS: Dose levels were escalated independently for patients with and without previous chemotherapy exposure and advanced malignancies. Both agents were administered weekly for 6 weeks followed by a 2-week break per cycle. P, escalated to tolerance starting at 135 mg/m(2) per week, and C, fixed dose at area under the curve (AUC) = 2 mg/mL/min, were administered to groups of three or six patients. Doses were modified for granulocyte counts less than 1800/microL or for neurotoxicity greater than Grade 1. MTD was defined as the highest dose level at which less than 50% of patients developed unacceptable toxicity and received more than 80% of the intended dose during the first cycle. Dose levels were escalated until these conditions were exceeded. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients (12 patients with previous chemotherapy exposure and 15 chemotherapy-naive patients) were examined for toxicity. Dose escalation was halted due to neutropenia and/or Grade 2/3 neuropathy in both arms. The MTD was P = 135/C = 2 for patients with previous chemotherapy exposure and P = 150/C = 2 for chemotherapy-naive patients. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of P and C administered on a weekly schedule permits a two to threefold enhancement of P dose intensity with full doses of C. Phase II trials of this regimen in patients with various malignancies are being evaluated to determine efficacy and tolerance.
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- Paclitaxel
- Oncology & Carcinogenesis
- Neoplasms
- Middle Aged
- Maximum Tolerated Dose
- Male
- Humans
- Female
- Drug Administration Schedule
- Carboplatin
Citation

Published In
DOI
ISSN
Publication Date
Volume
Issue
Start / End Page
Location
Related Subject Headings
- Paclitaxel
- Oncology & Carcinogenesis
- Neoplasms
- Middle Aged
- Maximum Tolerated Dose
- Male
- Humans
- Female
- Drug Administration Schedule
- Carboplatin