PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

A Rivière

Publications and source records attributed to A Rivière.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Sequential two-line strategy for stage IV non-small-cell lung cancer: docetaxel-cisplatin versus vinorelbine-cisplatin followed by cross-over to single-agent docetaxel or vinorelbine at progression: final results of a randomised phase II study.

BACKGROUND: This phase II trial compared docetaxel-cisplatin (DC) with vinorelbine-cisplatin (VC), both as first-line therapy followed by cross-over at progression to single-agent vinorelbine or docetaxel in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: Overall, 115 patients received DC (docetaxel 75 mg/m(2) and cisplatin 100 mg/m(2) both on day 1, every 3 weeks, arm A1) and 118 VC (vinorelbine 30 mg/m(2)/week on days 1 and 8 and cisplatin 100 mg/m(2) on day 1, every 3 weeks, arm B1) for six cycles, and subsequently maintained by monotherapy with docetaxel (A1) or vinorelbine (B1) with cross-over on disease progression to vinorelbine 30 mg/m(2) days 1 and 8 (A2), or docetaxel 100 mg/m(2), day 1, both every 3 weeks (B2). The primary end point was overall response rate (ORR). RESULTS: Patient characteristics were balanced; median follow-up was 8.8 months. First-line response rate was 33.9% with DC and 26.3% with VC (P=0.20). In arms A1 and B1, respectively: duration of response was similar (8.2 versus 8.4 months); median time to progression was 5 months in both; median survival was 8 versus 9 months (P=0.38); 1-, 2- and 3-year survival was 36% versus 35%, 17% versus 10% and 13% versus 6% (P not significant). However, with a low number of long-term survivors, statistical significance was not reached. Overall, almost half of the patients crossed over to second-line therapy; there were no response with vinorelbine and 6 (11.2%) partial responses with docetaxel. Considering the safety profile, the occurrence of febrile neutropenia was 9.6% with DC and 26.3% with VC. Treatment-related mortality was 2.5% with DC and 8.5% with VC. CONCLUSIONS: The trend in favour of the DC arm in ORR, even though statistical significance was not reached, is consistent with previous reports. This study suggests an activity of first-line DC in advanced NSCLC, and that second-line vinorelbine does not provide additional clinical benefit. As already shown in other studies, the use of DC in first-line should provide a better percentage of long-term survivors, despite the absence of efficacy of the second-line in our study.

Adult↗

In vitro and in vivo models for the evaluation of new inhibitors of human steroid sulfatase, devoid of residual estrogenic activity.

The goal of our research project is to develop a new class of orally active drugs, estrone sulfatase inhibitors, for the treatment of estrogen-dependent (receptor positive) breast cancer. Several compounds were synthesized and their pharmacological potencies explored. Based on encouraging preliminary results, three of them, TX 1299, TX 1492 and TX 1506 were further studied in vitro as well as in vivo. They proved to be strong inhibitors of estrone sulfatase when measured on the whole human JEG-3 choriocarcinoma and MCF-7 breast cancer cells and their IC(50)s found to be in the range of known standard inhibitors. Their residual estrogenic activity was checked as negative in the test of induction of alkaline phosphatase (APase) activity in whole human endometrial adenocarcinoma Ishikawa cells. In addition, their effect on aromatase activity in JEG-3 cells was also examined, since the goal of inhibiting both sulfatase and aromatase activities appears very attractive. However, it has been unsuccessful so far. Then, in vivo potencies of TX 1299, the lead compound in our chemical series, were evaluated in comparison with 6,6,7-COUMATE, a non-steroidal standard, in two different rat models and by oral route. First, the absence of any residual estrogenic activity for these compounds was checked in the uterotrophic model in prepubescent female rats. Second, antiuterotrophic activity in adult ovariectomized rat supplemented with estrone sulfate (E(1)S), showed that both compounds were potent inhibitors, the power of TX 1299 relative to 6,6,7-COUMATE being around 80%. This assay was combined with uterine sulfatase level determination and confirmed the complete inhibition of this enzyme within the target organ. Preliminary studies indicated that other non-steroid compounds in the Théramex series were potent in vitro and in vivo inhibitors of estrone sulfatase in rats and further studies are in progress.

Animals↗

In vitro and in vivo models for the evaluation of potent inhibitors of male rat 17alpha-hydroxylase/C17,20-lyase.

The C(17,20)-lyase is a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of androgens by both the testes and adrenals. A complete inhibition of this enzyme would provide an alternative means of androgen suppression for the treatment of prostatic cancers. In the present study, the inhibitory effects of new non-steroidal compounds were tested in vitro on rat C(17,20)-lyase versus abiraterone, a reference steroidal inhibitor. Their activities were also evaluated in vivo on plasma testosterone (T) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels and on testes, adrenals, seminal vesicles (SV) and ventral prostate (VP) weights after 3 days of oral treatment to adult male rats (50mg/kg per day p.o.). Inhibition in the nanomolar range was obtained with TX 977, the lead racemate product in this series, and optimization is ongoing based on a slight dissociation observed between its two diastereoisomers, TX 1196-11 (S) and TX 1197-11 (R). These non-steroidal compounds (including YM 55208, a reference competitor) proved to be more active in vivo than abiraterone acetate in this model, but the observed impact on adrenal weight suggests that the specificity of lyase inhibition versus corticosteroid biosynthesis deserves further investigations with this new class of potentially useful agents for the treatment of androgen-dependent prostate cancer.

Administration, Oral↗

Patterns of failure after prophylactic cranial irradiation in small-cell lung cancer: analysis of 505 randomized patients.

BACKGROUND: Prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) has a beneficial effect on overall survival in patients with small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) in complete remission as shown in a worldwide meta-analysis. The current analysis aimed to evaluate PCI effects on patterns of failure in this patient category. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The Institut Gustave-Roussy coordinated two parallel randomized studies including a total of 511 patients with SCLC. Patients were randomly assigned to either PCI (24 Gy in eight fractions and 12 days) or no PCI. Patterns of failure were analyzed according to (i) total event rates and (ii) isolated first site of relapse using a competing risk approach. RESULTS: Five hundred and five patients were analyzed. The 5-year cumulative rate of brain metastasis as an isolated first site of relapse was 37% in the control group and 20% in the PCI group (P < 0.001). The overall 5-year rates of brain metastasis were 59% and 43%, respectively [relative risk (RR) 0.50; P < 0.001]. The 5-year overall survival rates were 15% in the control group and 18% in the PCI group (RR 0.84; P = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: PCI decreased significantly the risk of brain metastasis. Other events were not influenced. The relative death risk reduction was of borderline significance. Results reported as isolated first cause of failure and subsequent competing events may explain why a major treatment effect on brain metastases rate has a rather moderate effect on survival.

Adult↗

Combined paclitaxel and gemcitabine as first-line treatment in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer: a multicentre phase II study.

The efficacy and toxicity of combined paclitaxel and gemcitabine was evaluated in 54 chemotherapy-naive patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Gemcitabine i.v. 1000 mg/m(2)was administered on days 1 and 8 and paclitaxel 200 mg/m(2)as a continuous 3-hour infusion on day 1. Treatment was repeated every 21 days. Patients had a median age of 53 years. ECOG performance status was 0 or 1 in 48 patients. 41 patients (75.9%) had initial stage IV disease; histology was mainly adenocarcinoma (46.3%). 2 patients (4.3%) achieved a complete response and 15 (31.9%) achieved a partial response giving an overall response rate of 36.2% (95% CI: 22.4-49.9%); 19 patients (40.4%) had stable disease and 10 (21.3%) had progressive disease. The median survival time was 51 weeks (95% CI: 46.5-59.3), with a 1-year survival probability of 0.48 (95% CI: 0.34-0.63). Grade 3/4 neutropenia and febrile neutropenia occurred in 15.2% and 2.2% of courses, respectively. Grade 3/4 thrombocytopenia was rare (1.8% of courses). Peripheral neurotoxicity developed in 25 patients (47.2%), mostly grade 1/2. Arthalgia/myalgia was observed in 30 patients (56.6%), generally grade 1 or 2. Grade 3 abnormal levels of serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) and serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT) occurred in 5 patients (9.4%) and 1 patient (1.9%), respectively. Combined paclitaxel and gemcitabine is an active and well-tolerated regimen for the treatment of advanced NSCLC, and warrants further investigation in comparative, randomized trials.

Adult↗

Phase ii comparator study of oral versus intravenous topotecan in patients with chemosensitive small-cell lung cancer.

PURPOSE: Topotecan, administered intravenously, is active in small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). In this study, the comparability of oral topotecan to IV topotecan was investigated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with SCLC that had relapsed 90 days or more after cessation of initial chemotherapy were randomized to receive either oral topotecan (Hycamtin) 2.3 mg/m(2)/d x 5 (52 patients) or IV topotecan 1.5 mg/m(2)/d x 5 (54 patients), every 21 days. RESULTS: Response rates in this phase II randomized study were 23% (12/52) in the oral topotecan arm and 15% (8/54) in the IV topotecan arm. All radiological responses were confirmed by an independent radiologist. Median survival was 32 weeks (oral) and 25 weeks (IV). Good symptom control, defined as sustained improvement or no deterioration, was evident in both treatment groups. Topotecan was generally well tolerated, with myelosuppression being the major toxicity. Grade 4 neutropenia occurred in 35.3% of patients on oral topotecan and in 67.3% of patients on IV topotecan, which was statistically significant (P =.001). Fever/infection more than or equal to grade 2 associated with grade 4 neutropenia, together with sepsis, occurred in only 5.1% of courses (oral) and 3.3% of courses (IV). Non-hematological toxicity consisted mainly of vomiting (oral: 36.5% of patients; IV: 31.5% of patients) and nausea (oral: 26.9% of patients; IV: 40.7% of patients). CONCLUSION: This study found oral topotecan to be similar in efficacy to IV topotecan in the treatment of patients with relapsed SCLC, sensitive to first-line chemotherapy, with less grade 4 neutropenia and greater convenience of administration.

Administration, Oral↗

Etoposide plus cisplatin with or without the combination of 4'-epidoxorubicin plus cyclophosphamide in treatment of extensive small-cell lung cancer: a French Federation of Cancer Institutes multicenter phase III randomized study.

BACKGROUND: The combination of etoposide plus cisplatin (EP) is considered to be standard therapy for small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). To determine whether drug intensification improves survival of patients with extensive SCLC, we compared this treatment with a four-drug regimen containing EP plus cyclophosphamide and 4'-epidoxorubicin (PCDE). METHODS: In a phase III clinical trial organized by the French Federation of Cancer Institutes, patients were randomly assigned to receive either EP (n = 109; etoposide at a dose of 100 mg/m(2) on days 1-3 plus cisplatin at 100 mg/m(2) on day 2) or PCDE (n = 117; etoposide and cisplatin given as in EP plus cyclophosphamide at 400 mg/m(2) on days 1-3 and 4'-epidoxorubicin at 40 mg/m(2) on day 1) every 4 weeks. Both groups received a total of six cycles. Survival differences were analyzed by Wilcoxon and log-rank tests. Associations of treatment group and putative prognostic variables with survival were tested in the Cox proportional hazards model. Quality of life was assessed from the responses to the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality-of-life questionnaire (C30, health status and lung cancer module 13). All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS: Patients in the PCDE arm had a statistically significant higher frequency of combined complete plus partial responses compared with those in the EP arm (21% plus 55% versus 13% plus 48%, respectively; P =.02 for difference in combined objective responses). Patients in the PCDE arm survived longer than those in the EP arm (1-year survival rate: 40% and 29%, respectively; median survival: 10.5 and 9.3 months, respectively; log-rank P =.0067). In the Cox model, the relative risk of death for patients in the PCDE arm compared with those in the EP arm was 0.70 (95% confidence interval = 0.51 to 0.95); the disease also progressed more slowly in patients in the PCDE arm. Hematologic toxicity was higher in the PCDE arm (22% with documented infections compared with 8% in the EP arm; P =.0038), and the toxicity-related death rate was 9% in the PCDE arm versus 5.5% in the EP arm (P =.22). The global health status showed similar improvement in both arms during treatment. CONCLUSION: Compared with the EP regimen, the PCDE regimen yielded higher response rates and better survival rates in patients with extensive SCLC without affecting the quality of life of the patients during chemotherapy.

Adult↗

[Standards, options and recommendations for the management of locally advanced non small cell lung carcinoma].

CONTEXT: The "Standards, Options and Recommendations" (SOR) project, started in 1993, is a collaboration between the Federation of the French Cancer Centres (FNCLCC), the 20 French Cancer Centres and specialists from French Public Universities, General Hospitals and Private Clinics. The main objective is the development of clinical practice guidelines to improve the quality of health care and outcome for cancer patients. The methodology is based on literature review and critical appraisal by a multidisciplinary group of experts, with feedback from specialists in cancer care delivery. OBJECTIVES: To develop clinical practice guidelines according to the definitions of the Standards, Options and Recommendations project for the management of locally advanced non small cell lung carcinoma. METHODS: Data were identified by searching Medline and the personal reference lists of members of the expert groups. Once the guidelines were defined, the document was submitted for review to independent reviewers and to the medical committees of the 20 French Cancer Centres. RESULTS: The main recommendations are: 1) The management of the locally advanced non small cell lung carcinoma has two main goals: firstly to obtain local control of the disease (or to at least delay local progression in order to improve the survival or relapse free survival), and secondly to prevent the development of metastases. 2) There is a consensus that locally advanced non small cell lung carcinoma should be irradiated. External beam radiotherapy should be of optimal quality and delivered at a minimal dose of 60 Gy by standard fractionation. For patients with a poor life expectancy, this can be delivered as a split-course or hypofractionated scheme. 3) Treatment for patients with a performance status of 0-1 should consist of short duration induction chemotherapy (with a least two drugs one of which must be cisplatin), combined sequentially with conventional radiotherapy. 4) Surgery is contraindicated in extensive N3 disease. Combined radio-chemotherapy (adjuvant or neoadjuvant) is not indicated outside clinical trials. Surgery is justified in stage N2 disease as good local control can be achieved. T4-N0 disease should be treated surgically with curative intent.

Adult↗

[Standards, Options and Recommendations for the management of stage I or II primary bronchial cancers treated exclusively with radiotherapy].

CONTEXT: The 'Standards, Options and Recommendations' (SOR) project, started in 1993, is a collaboration between the Federation of the French Cancer Centres (FNCLCC), the 20 French cancer centres and specialists from French public universities, general hospitals and private clinics. The main objective is the development of clinical practice guidelines to improve the quality of health care and outcome for cancer patients. The methodology is based on literature review and critical appraisal by a multidisciplinary group of experts, with feedback from specialists in cancer care delivery. OBJECTIVES: To develop clinical practice guidelines according to the definitions of the Standards, Options and Recommendations project for the management of stage I and II non small cell lung carcinoma treated by radiotherapy alone. METHODS: Data were identified by searching Medline and personal reference lists of members of the expert groups. Once the guidelines were defined, the document was submitted for review to independent reviewers, and to the medical committees of the 20 French cancer centres. RESULTS: The main recommendations for the management of stage I and II non small cell lung carcinoma treated by radiotherapy alone are: 1) The curative external irradiation with a continual course is an alternative to surgery only in the case of medically inoperable tumors or because the patient refuses surgery; 2) The external irradiation of the primary tumor only without the mediastinum could be proposed in peripheral stage IA. In proximal stage IA and IB, external irradiation should be carried out only as part of prospective randomised controlled trials comparing a localised irradiation of the primary tumor with a large irradiation of the mediastinum and the primary tumor. The treated volume must include the macroscopic tumoral volume with or without the microscopic tumoral volume and with a security margin from 1.5 to 2 cm; 3) There is a benefit to delivering a total dose in the primary tumor higher than 60 Gy in so far as the proposed irradiation, taking into account the respiratory function, does not increase the likelihood of severe adverse events due to radiation; and 4) The change in fractionation, the radiochemotherapy combination, the endobronchial brachytherapy with high dose rate alone or with external irradiation could be proposed only as part of prospective controlled trials for tumors classified as stage IB or II.

Aged↗

Looking back or looking all around: comparing two spell checking strategies for documents edition in an electronic patient record.

We report on the comparison of two systems for correcting spelling errors resulting in non-existent words (i.e. not listed in any lexicon). Both systems aim at improving edition of medical reports. Unlike traditional systems, based on word language models, both semantic and syntactic contexts are considered here. Both systems share the same string-to-string edit distance module, and the same contextual disambiguation principles. The differences between the two systems are located at the user interaction level: while the first system is using exclusively the left context, simulating the underlining of every mis-spelling at the end of every word typing, the second system uses the left as well as the right context and simulate a post-edition correction, when asked by the author. Our conclusion shows the improvements brought by the second approach.

Medical Records Systems, Computerized↗

A phase II study of docetaxel and vinorelbine combination chemotherapy in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

A phase II study was conducted to determine the efficacy and the safety of docetaxel combined with vinorelbine as first-line chemotherapy in patients with metastatic or unresectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). 39 patients, median age 54 years (range: 35-69), with stage IIIB (5 patients; 13%) or IV (34 patients; 87%) NSCLC were treated with 75 mg/m(2) docetaxel given intravenously (i. v.) over 1 h on day 1 and with 20 mg/m(2) vinorelbine given i.v. over 15 to 30 min on days 1 and 5. Cycles were repeated every 3 weeks. 9 of the 39 patients had a partial response (overall response rate 23.1%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 11.1-39.3%) with a median duration of response of 20 weeks (95% CI; 17-30). The median survival was 40 weeks (95% CI: 21-49 weeks) with a 1-year survival rate of 31% in the intent-to-treat population. Neutropenia grade IV occurred in 33 patients (92%). 16 patients (41%) experienced febrile neutropenia with a concomitant stomatitis in 9 patients (23%). One patient died due to febrile neutropenia associated with a grade 4 stomatitis and 1 patient due to a septicaemia concomitant with a grade 4 neutropenia. Although the combination of docetaxel and vinorelbine is feasible, the efficacy does not seem to be improved compared with single-agent docetaxel or vinorelbine and the rate of febrile neutropenia is unacceptable in this population with incurable disease. Therefore, different doses and/or schedules are to be explored.

Adult↗

Phase I-II study of high dose epirubicin plus cisplatin in unresectable non-small-cell lung cancer: searching for the maximal tolerated dose.

The purpose of this study was to search for the maximal tolerated dose of cisplatin in the cisplatin plus high-dose epirubicin combination for patients with non-small-cell lung cancer. The following range of cisplatin dosages were tested in a phase I study: 75, 90, 105, and 120 mg/m2 in combination with epirubicin 120 mg/m2 every 3 weeks. Eligibility consisted of previously untreated stage IIIb or IV non-small-cell lung cancers, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status less than or equal to 2, age less than or equal to 70 years, measurable disease, adequate blood counts, chemistry, cardiac function, and no brain metastasis. The maximal tolerated dose was defined as the dose level of cisplatin for which two of three patients or three of six patients developed one or more limiting toxicities during the first course of therapy. Afterward, the maximal tolerated dose of cisplatin was adopted in a subsequent phase II study. Three centers enrolled 42 patients: 18 in phase I and 24 in phase II. The maximal tolerated dose was almost reached at the last dose level (i.e., 120 mg/m2). Taking into account the total duration of the treatment, the real dose intensity for patients treated at the fourth dose level (120 mg/m2) did not differ from that of the third dose level (105 mg/m2). The latter dosage was therefore considered as the maximal tolerated one. In the subsequent phase II study, the median number of cycles received per patient was three (range: one to eight). Fifty percent required a dose reduction of either epirubicin, cisplatin, or both. The main toxicity was neutropenia, resulting in 10 episodes of febrile grade IV neutropenia requiring readmission. Other toxicities were mild to moderate. There was no toxic-related death. On intent-to-treat analysis, 10 patients (33%) achieved an objective response. Among them were three complete responders. Median survival was 8 months. We observed neither detraction nor improvement of quality of life as assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30-LC13. Given every 3 weeks in combination with epirubicin 120 mg/m2, the maximal tolerated cisplatin dose is 105 mg/m2. This combination yields activity in non-small-cell lung cancer.

Adult↗

Clinical impact of pharmacokinetically-guided dose adaptation of 5-fluorouracil: results from a multicentric randomized trial in patients with locally advanced head and neck carcinomas.

A significant link between 5-fluorouracil (5FU) plasma concentration and its therapeutic activity has been demonstrated in colon and head and neck cancer patients for 5FU used as a continuous infusion. Dose adjustment based on pharmacokinetic follow-up has been proposed to decrease hematological and digestive toxicities, but the clinical impact of this approach has not yet been demonstrated. A randomized multicentric study was conducted to evaluate the clinical interest of 5FU dose adaptation guided by pharmacokinetics. One hundred twenty-two head and neck cancer patients were randomly assigned to receive induction chemotherapy with cisplatin (100 mg/m2, day 1) and 5FU (96-h continuous infusion), either at standard dose (St-arm; 4 g/m2) or at a dose adjusted according to the 5FU area under the curve (AUC0-48h; PK-arm). In total, 106 patients were evaluable for toxicity and response. In the PK-arm (n = 49), 5FU doses and area under the curve were significantly reduced during cycle 2 and cycle 3 (P < 0.001) as compared with the St-arm (n = 57). Grade 3-4 neutropenia and thrombopenia were significantly more frequent in the St-arm as compared with the PK-arm (17.5% versus 7.6%, respectively; P = 0.013). No grade 3-4 mucositis occurred in the PK-arm, whereas 5.1% was observed in the St-arm (P < 0.01). The objective response rate was comparable in the two treatment arms: 77.2% in the St-arm versus 81.7% in the PK-arm. The present study is the first to demonstrate, in a randomized design, the clinical interest of an individual 5FU dose adaptation based on pharmacokinetic survey, in terms of therapeutic index improvement.

Adult↗

[Alternative treatment of dry eyes by punctum plugs--results in 60 patients].

PURPOSE: This is an analysis assessing clinical results after treatment with punctum Plugs in dry-eye patients stubborn to usual treatment. METHOD: We analysed retrospectively data from 60 patients treated by fitting in 1 to 4 silicone plugs in canaliculi. RESULTS: This study allowed to assess the advantages and disadvantages of the method, notably according to the selection criteria of patients and to the number of plugs inserted. CONCLUSION: This revertible treatment of the dry-eye syndrome is an efficient alternative, provided that patients are judiciousely selected.

Dry Eye Syndromes↗

A phase II trial of radiochemotherapy with daily carboplatin, after induction chemotherapy (carboplatin and etoposide), in locally advanced nonsmall-cell lung cancer: final analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate feasibility and efficacy of concomitant radiochemotherapy (CRCT) in Stage IIIB nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), two induction chemotherapy cycles combining etoposide and carboplatin were first delivered, followed by CRCT with daily radiation fraction in association with carboplatin. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Forty patients with biopsy-proven, locally advanced unresectable nonmetastatic NSCLC were enrolled. Induction chemotherapy consisted of two cycles (day 1 and day 28) of etoposide (VP16:100 mg/m2, days 1 to 3) and carboplatin (CBDCA:350 mg/m2, day 1). Irradiation starting at day 56, delivered 66 Gy in 2 Gy daily fraction, 5 days a week, along with a daily dose of CBDCA (15 mg/m2) given intravenously 2 to 4 h before radiation. In nonprogressive patients under induction chemotherapy, two additional cycles of VP16-CBDCA were administered 4 weeks after the completion of CRCT. RESULTS: Out of the 40 patients enrolled (38 males, 2 females), 37 (93%) received induction chemotherapy as scheduled, with 38% Grade 3-4 hematological toxicity. Response rate to induction chemotherapy was 11% (4/37). No tumor became resectable. CRCT was delivered to 32 of these 37 patients, with full doses given to 91% of them. Clinical and hematological Grade 3-4 toxicity rates were 21 and 13%, respectively. Additional chemotherapy was delivered in 12 of 26 nonprogressive patients. At final evaluation, performed 3 months after the end of CRCT, 38% of 26 evaluable patients were responders (4 complete and 6 partial), leading to a 25% (10 of 40) overall objective response rate. Of these 10 responders, 8 became responders after CRCT only. Overall, the 1-year local control rate was 28% (11 of 40). The median survival time was 9 months and the 1-year and 2-year overall survival rates were 38 and 15%, respectively. Thirty-six patients died from local progression (25 patients), distant metastasis (9 patients), or pulmonary fibrosis (2 patients). CONCLUSION: Concomitant CRCT with CBDCA is feasible with acceptable induction chemotherapy-related toxicity and a 1-year local control rate of 28%. Response rate to induction chemotherapy was low and better chemotherapy combination should be used to reduce distant failure probability and to improve local response rate before CRCT.

Adult↗

The efficacy of a combination of ondansetron, methylprednisolone and metopimazine in patients previously uncontrolled with a dual antiemetic treatment in cisplatin-based chemotherapy. The French Ondansetron Study Group.

BACKGROUND: Cisplatin is one of the most effective cytotoxic drugs used in the treatment of certain neoplasms, but is also one which most frequently induces nausea and vomiting. Combination of corticosteroids with ondansetron enables greater control of emesis than that obtained with ondansetron alone, but some patients still experience symptoms. The objective of this randomised, double-blind, multicentre, parallel group study was to examine the benefit of the addition of metopimazine (MPZ), a dopamine receptor antagonist, to the combination of ondansetron + methylprednisolone (O + M) in the prevention of cisplatin-induced nausea and vomiting in patients uncontrolled [i.e., at least one emetic episode (vomiting and/or retching) or moderate or severe nausea] during their previous course of cisplatin based chemotherapy, despite antiemetic treatment with a combination of a 5-hydroxytryptamine3 receptor antagonist (5HT3) with a corticosteroid. The impact of the treatment on the patients' quality of life was also evaluated using two specific questionnaires the FLIC (Functional Living Index for Cancer), and the FLIE (Functional Living Index for Emesis). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The intent-to-treat population consisted of 338 patients; 168 patients received the triple combination of ondansetron, methylprednisolone and metopimazine (O + M + MPZ), and 170 patients received ondansetron plus methylprednisolone (O + M). Tumour type was comparable in the two treatment groups, the most prevalent being lung cancer. Patients in group O + M + MPZ received ondansetron as an 8 mg intravenous injection prior to chemotherapy on day 1 followed by 8 mg tablets b.i.d. from D2 to D3, methylprednisolone as a 120 mg intravenous injection prior to chemotherapy on D1 and followed by 16 mg tablets b.i.d. from D2 to D3, and metopimazine as a 40 mg intravenous injection prior to chemotherapy on D1 and followed by 15 mg capsules b.i.d. on D2 to D3. Patients in group O + M received treatment with ondansetron and methylprednisolone as above. RESULTS: Analysis of the primary efficacy criterion (absence of emetic episode throughout the course of chemotherapy) revealed a success rate of 53% in the group receiving O + M + MPZ and 38% in the group receiving O + M (P = 0.008). Analysis of the secondary efficacy criteria (nausea grade, number of emetic episodes and global patient satisfaction on D1 and from D2 to D3) showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups, in favour of the O + M + MPZ treatment. The scores obtained with the FLIC and FLIE questionnaires did not reveal any significant differences between the two groups. Treatment was well tolerated in both groups. CONCLUSION: The study showed that the addition of MPZ to the combination O + M was an effective and well tolerated antiemetic treatment, with a 15% increase in efficacy compared to the combination in patients not controlled during their previous course of chemotherapy. The addition of metopimazine to existing regimens containing 5HT3 receptor antagonist and steroid combination should be considered for patients who fail on their previous course.

Adolescent↗

Long-term survivors of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC): a French multicenter study. Groupe d'Oncologie de Langue Française.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyze SCLC patients beyond 30 months, particularly their outcome, their way of life, and factors which could influence relapses, second-primary cancers and death. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 1986 and May 1995, 263 SCLC patients who survived longer than 30 months were included from 52 French institutions. The analysis was performed on the 155 cases confirmed by a pathologic review. RESULTS: Physical, mental and psychological states were considered as normal at 30 months in respectively 70.3%, 87.7% and 67.7% of patients, not influenced by prophylactic cranial irradiation, number of chemotherapy cycles, CCNU or cisplatin. Therapeutic sequelae were neurological impairment (13%), pulmonary fibrosis (18%) and cardiac disorders (11%) at 30 months. Return to work was possible for 40% of patients in the first two years following diagnosis. Among 43 relapsing patients, 33 benefited from a second-line treatment. Their median survival was 12 months since retreatment, and seven patients have survived again longer than 30 months. Age > 60 at the time of diagnosis was found as an independent factor increasing the risk of relapse beyond 30 months (OR = 2.46, IC 95% (1.16-5.26), P = 0.01). The risk of relapse became less than 10% beyond five years. Twenty patients (13%) developed a second primary cancer in a mean time of 58.6 months. The risk of second primary cancer was increased by a number of chemotherapy cycles > 6 (OR = 3.25, IC 95% (1.08-9.8) P = 0.02) and by an age > 60 (OR = 2.92, IC 95% (1.07-7.97), P = 0.03). Five- and 10-year survival rates were respectively 68% and 44%. In these patients having reached a 30-month survival, three independent factors were predictive of a survival longer than five years: age < or = 60 at the time of diagnosis (OR = 2.85, IC 95% (1.23-6.6), P = 0.01), chest radiotherapy (OR = 3.1, IC 95% (1.28-7.69), P = 0.006) and absence of relapse (OR = 4.5, IC 95% (1.75-12.5), P = 0.002). This study suggests that: 1) therapeutic sequelae are rather mild, allowing return to work in 40% of patients; 2) relapsing 30-month survivors can benefit from second-line treatment; 3) SCLC cure can be achieved with a 10-year follow-up.

Adult↗