A phase II study of rebeccamycin analog NSC 655649 in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer

Sanjay Goel, Scott Wadler, Anthony Hoffman, Fabio Volterra, Cheryl Baker, Elliot Nazario, Percy Ivy, Alyson Silverman, Sridhar Mani

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

29 Scopus citations

Abstract

The analog, rebeccamycin tartrate salt (NSC 655649, Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, National Cancer Institute) has broad preclinical anti-neoplastic activity. Preliminary data from phase I study demonstrated anti-tumor activity in colorectal carcinoma. This phase II trial evaluates its efficacy in patients with minimally treated metastatic colorectal cancer. Eligibility included Kamofsky performance status >70%, age >18 years and bidimensionally measurable disease. Thirteen patients were treated with NSC 655649 at 500 mg/m2 by central venous catheter once every 3 weeks by bolus injection. Thirty-four cycles (median [range] 2 [1-6]) of therapy were administered. Twelve patients are eligible for response assessment. No major objective responses were seen using the RECIST criteria; however stable disease was observed in three patients with mean duration of 15 weeks. The median time to progression was 8 weeks. There was no toxic death. Four patients received only one cycle of treatment, and three had disease progression. Toxicities were tolerable and hematologic toxicity was the most common. The median (range) granulocyte and platelet nadir counts were 2043/μl (116-16,374/μl) and 276 × 103/μl (5-769), respectively. Non-hematologic toxicities were moderate, including generalized weakness/fatigue, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea and anorexia. One patient required dose reduction; three patients required dose delays. NSC 655649 at this dose and schedule is inactive against advanced previously minimally treated metastatic colorectal cancer and further study of this drug as a single agent in this disease using an every three-week schedule is not warranted.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)103-107
Number of pages5
JournalInvestigational New Drugs
Volume21
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2003

Keywords

  • Colorectal cancer
  • Phase II
  • Rebeccamycin analog

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Pharmacology (medical)

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