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Biomedical subjects

M N Raber

Publications and source records attributed to M N Raber.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Phase I trial and clinical pharmacology of elsamitrucin.

Elsamitrucin (BMY-28090) is an antitumor antibiotic first described in 1985 that has significant oncolytic activity against a number of murine tumors including P388, L1210, B16 and M5076, as well as against MX1 and HCT116 xenografts. Preclinical toxicology studies of elsamitrucin revealed edema of multiple organs associated with hypoproteinemia and, at lethal doses, severe multiorgan toxicity. We conducted a phase I clinical trial (31 patients) of elsamitrucin administered as a 10-min i.v. infusion every 3 weeks. The starting dose (0.6 mg/m2) was 1/3 of the dog low toxic dose. The maximum tolerated dose was 30 mg/m2. Dose-limiting toxicity was reversible hepatic dysfunction manifested by elevated transaminase levels not associated with bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, or lactate dehydrogenase elevations. Other toxicities included nausea, vomiting, malaise, and phlebitis. Because the hepatic toxicity was brief and reversible, a subsequent study (18 patients) was conducted with elsamitrucin administered every 2 weeks. Reversible grade 3 hepatotoxicity was again observed at 30 mg/m2. Plasma and urine samples from patients receiving doses of 0.6-36 mg/m2 were analyzed for drug content. The maximum plasma concentration and area under the plasma concentration versus time curve values increased linearly with doses up to 25 mg/m2 but not at higher doses. The terminal half-lives, total body clearances, and volume of distribution were 36-60 h, 10-19 liters/h/m2, and 400-1100 liters/m2, respectively. Less than 5% was excreted in the urine in 24 h as parent compound. Bile was collected from one patient with an indwelling biliary catheter. Approximately 22% of the dose was excreted in 48 h, suggesting that biliary excretion of elsamitrucin may be an important route of drug elimination. Based on reversible hepatic toxicity, the phase II recommended dose of elsamitrucin is 25 mg/m2 every 2 weeks.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Phase II clinical and pharmacological study of didemnin B in patients with metastatic breast cancer.

Sixteen evaluable patients with metastatic breast cancer were entered into a phase II trial of didemnin B. They received the drug at an initial dose of 5.6 mg/m2 every 21 to 28 days. Major toxicities noted were myalgia and nausea and vomiting while myelosuppression was mild. There were no complete responses; however, two minor responses were observed. The pharmacokinetics of didemnin B were studied in 10 patients who received the drug as 30 to 60 min i.v. infusions. A sensitive competitive inhibition enzyme immunoassay was used to quantitate didemnin B levels. Drug was observed to be rapidly cleared from plasma in a biphasic manner (t1/2 alpha = 0.12 hr, t1/2 beta = 4.8 hr). Although the assay could not identify the presence of specific metabolites, the increase of apparent didemnin B levels in plasma at later time points suggested the formation of unidentified metabolites which cross reacted with the antibody in the analytical procedure. In vitro experiments indicated that didemnin B was not bound to bovine serum albumin and only a minor portion (24%) of drug was found associated with red blood cells.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Phase II trial of trimetrexate for unresectable or metastatic non-small cell bronchogenic carcinoma.

We treated 34 chemotherapy-naive patients with stage IIIb or IV non-small cell lung cancer with trimetrexate 150-200 mg/m2 intravenously over 30 minutes every two weeks. Six of 31 evaluable patients (19%) achieved a partial response. The major toxic effects from this regimen were myelosuppression, nausea/vomiting, and skin rash. We conclude that this well-tolerated schedule of trimetrexate has significant activity as a single agent against non-small cell lung cancer.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Clinical pharmacokinetics of ifosfamide in combination with N-acetylcysteine.

The pharmacokinetics of ifosfamide were studied in 20 patients with soft tissue and bone sarcomas. Drug was administered as a 30-60 min i.v. infusion at 1.2 or 2.0 mg/m2/day for five consecutive days. Some patients also received 1.5 g/m2 of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) administered 3 times per day during the course of therapy. NAC had no effect on ifosfamide pharmacokinetics. There were significant differences in plasma half-life, area under the concentration-time curve and plasma clearance on day 1 versus day 5 of ifosfamide administration. Myelosuppression and granulocytopenia correlated better with day 1 versus day 5 ifosfamide pharmacokinetics suggesting that the alteration of ifosfamide pharmacology with multiple dosing has a significant effect on drug activity.

Acetylcysteine↗
PubMed1991

Phase II trial of taxol, an active drug in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer.

Taxol, an antimicrotubule agent, has shown promise for efficacy in treatment of breast cancer, but severe hypersensitivity reactions led to cessation of many phase I clinical trials. Consequently, investigators and the National Cancer Institute recommended that phase I and II studies of this agent use 24-hour infusions and antiallergic medications. Using a premedication regimen effective in preventing hypersensitivity reactions, we have performed a phase II trial of taxol in patients with metastatic breast cancer. Taxol was administered to 25 patients at a dose of 250 mg/m2 by 24-hour infusion every 21 days. These patients had received only one prior chemotherapy regimen, either adjuvant to surgery or for metastatic disease; all but two had received doxorubicin. In 60% of the patients, the dominant site of disease was the viscera. All patients were assessable. In April 1991, at a median time on study of 9 months (range, 5-13+ months), the objective response rate was 56% (12% complete and 44% partial; 95% confidence interval, 35%-76%). Disease progressed in only 8% of the patients. The median number of courses of therapy was 11. Granulocytopenia was the dose-limiting toxic effect, but neutropenia with fever occurred in only 5% of 232 courses. A chronic glove-and-stocking neuropathy developed in most patients, but no allergic reactions occurred. We conclude that taxol is an active agent in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer and that it warrants continued study. Currently, we are conducting a phase I trial of taxol plus doxorubicin. Future trials should address the optimal effective dose, the optimal sequencing of combinations, mechanisms of drug resistance in tumors, and dose-limiting toxic effects (particularly cardiac toxic effects of taxol given as a single agent or in drug combinations).

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Phase I studies of trimetrexate using single and weekly dose schedules.

Trimetrexate (TMTX), a potent inhibitor of the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase, was shown to be more active than its analogue, Methotrexate, against murine and human tumor cell lines in vitro and in vivo. We conducted two sequential phase I studies using a single bolus injection of TMTX every 14 days (Schedule A) and a weekly x 3 schedule every 4-6 weeks (Schedule B). Twenty-seven patients were treated on Schedule A with a TMTX dose range of 5 mg/m2 to 450 mg/m2 and 23 patients were treated on Schedule B with a TMTX dose range of 50 mg/m2 to 200 mg/m2. The dose limiting toxicity was myelosuppression on both schedules. The development of hematological toxicity was highly variable at different dose levels and within the same patient at a particular dose level. The nadir of blood counts was reached by Day 8 to 10 on the single dose schedule with recovery by Day 14. On Schedule B, the nadir granulocyte count occurred on Day 14 while platelet count was generally lowest by Day 20; the blood counts usually recovered 7 to 10 days after the last dose. Other common side-effects includes skin toxicity and stomatitis which were worse on the weekly schedule. Less common toxicities included mild nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and transient deterioration in renal and hepatic functions. The occurrence of toxicity was not related to the extent of prior treatment, liver metastases, or accumulation of third space fluids. Based on our results, we recommend a starting TMTX dose for Phase II studies of 200 mg/m2 every 2 weeks or 100 mg/m2 to 125 mg/m2 on the weekly schedule.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Phase I trial of FK973: description of a delayed vascular leak syndrome.

FK973 is a novel, substituted dihydrobenzoxazine structurally similar to mitomycin. FK973 lacks cross-resistance with mitomycin, doxorubicin, and vincristine in murine tumor models. A phase I study of FK973 was initiated using a 30-minute infusion repeated every 4 weeks. Of 17 patients enrolled on the study, a minimum of three patients were entered at each dose level: 7, 14, 21, 30, and 45 mg/m2. The dose-limiting toxicity was a vascular leak syndrome (VLS) characterized by pericardial and pleural effusions, ascites, and subcutaneous edema. These conditions were observed in two patients treated with a dose of 30 mg/m2 and in four who received 45 mg/m2. VLS was observed 2 weeks after the third dose of 30 mg/m2 and one week after the second dose of 45 mg/m2. Of nine patients treated with a cumulative dose greater than 60 mg/m2, five experienced this toxic reaction. Reversible drug-related pneumonitis was noted in one patient after the third course of 30 mg/m2. Moderate nausea and vomiting were initially observed at a dose of 14 mg/m2 and alopecia at 30 mg/m2. Grade 3-4 granulocytopenia was observed in two patients treated with 45 mg/m2. Extensive myocardial degeneration was observed at autopsy in a patient who had received three courses of 30 mg/m2. One patient with metastatic colon carcinoma and another with metastatic pancreatic carcinoma experienced partial clinical responses. Although the drug's clinical activity appears promising, additional investigation is needed into the mechanism of toxicity prior to further clinical development.

Antineoplastic Agents↗
PubMed1991

Phase II clinical trial of 4'-O-tetrahydropyranyl-adriamycin (THP-adriamycin) in recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

Fourteen patients previously treated with surgery, radiotherapy, and/or chemotherapy for primary squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck were treated with 4'-O-tetrahydropyranyl-Adriamycin (THP-adriamycin) for locally or distantly recurrent disease. The starting dose was 60 mg/m2 by i.v. infusion, with courses repeated every 3 to 4 weeks. A total of 34 courses of treatment were delivered (median, 2; range, 1-6). All patients were evaluable for response and toxicity. There were no responses. Severe (grade 3 or 4) neutropenia occurred in 11 patients. Thrombocytopenia, anemia, and gastrointestinal toxicity were modest, and no hepatic, renal, or cardiac toxicity was observed. The lack of response in association with severe neutropenia and moderate other toxicities using this dose and schedule of THP-Adriamycin should be taken into consideration prior to the pursuit of further study of this compound in a similar patient population.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Continuous infusion 5-fluorouracil, etoposide and cis-diamminedichloroplatinum in patients with metastatic carcinoma of unknown primary origin.

We conducted a phase II clinical trial of 5-fluorouracil (5 day continuous infusion), cis-diamminedichloroplatinum and etoposide in previously untreated patients with metastatic carcinoma of unknown primary origin. Of the thirty-six evaluable patients (21 adenocarcinoma, 14 undifferentiated carcinoma and 1 squamous cell carcinoma), eight patients responded to this treatment (4 CR, 4 PR). Responses were seen in both soft tissue and visceral disease. Toxicity was significant and included grade III/IV myelosuppression in over 90% of patients treated. Non-hematologic toxicity included nausea/vomiting and stomatitis. Although the remissions obtained in this study appear to be durable (median duration of complete remission greater than 24 months), the regimen does not appear to offer significant advantages over other less toxic and more easily administered cisplatin-based combinations.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1991

A phase I clinical, plasma, and cellular pharmacology study of gemcitabine.

A novel deoxycytidine analog, gemcitabine (2',2'-difluorodeoxycytidine [dFdC]), has been studied in a phase I clinical and pharmacology trial. Doses ranging from 10 to 1,000 mg/m2 were administered over 30 minutes weekly times 3 weeks every 4 weeks. The maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) was 790 mg/m2. The dose-limiting toxicity was myelosuppression, with thrombocytopenia and anemia quantitatively more important than granulocytopenia. Nonhematologic toxicity was minimal. Two responses in patients with adenocarcinomas of the colon and lung were documented. The maximum dFdC plasma concentration, reached after 15 minutes of infusion, was proportional to the total dose administered. Elimination, due mainly to deamination, was rapid (terminal half-life [t1/2], 8.0 minutes) and dose independent. The deamination product 2',2'-difluorodeoxyuridine (dFdU) was eliminated with biphasic kinetics characterized by a long terminal phase (t1/2, 14 hours); it was the sole metabolite detected in urine. The concentration of dFdC 5'-triphosphate in circulating mononuclear cells increased in proportion to the dFdC dose at infusions between 35 and 250 mg/m2. No further increment in dFdC 5'-triphosphate (dFdCTP) was observed at higher doses, which resulted in plasma dFdC concentrations greater than 20 mumol/L (350 to 1,000 mg/m2), suggesting saturation of dFdC 5'-phosphate accumulation. The recommended dose for phase II clinical trials in solid tumors is 790 mg/m2/wk.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Phase I clinical and pharmacological study of liposome-entrapped cis-bis-neodecanoato-trans-R,R-1,2-diaminocyclohexane platinum(II).

cis-Bis-neodecanoato-trans-R,R-1,2-diaminocyclohexaneplatinum++ +(II) (NDDP) is a liposome dependent cisplatin analogue since the liposome carrier is required for its i.v. administration and for its biological activity. A Phase I study of liposome entrapped NDDP (L-NDDP) was performed using a single i.v. injection every 4 weeks. L-NDDP was prepared and characterized at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. The maximum tolerated dose of L-NDDP was 312.5 mg/m2. The dose-limiting toxicity was myelosuppression, affecting all three blood cell lineages. The granulocyte nadir occurred on days 14-18, and the platelet nadir consistently earlier (days 11-12). The median day of recovery of blood cell counts was day 21 (range, 18-32). Other toxicities included grade 2 nausea and vomiting, fever consisting of a single temperature spike in most patients, grade 1 diarrhea after 60% of courses, and grade 1-2 malaise lasting for 5-10 days after the infusion in 73% of courses. Transient alanine aminotransferase elevations without clinical relevance were common. No signs of renal dysfunction or ototoxicity were observed. One patient with a preexisting peripheral neuropathy showed some progression of the neuropathy after a cumulative dose of 1605 mg/m2. Except for fever and transient liver dysfunction, no liposome related side effects were observed in spite of the high doses of lipid administered. The blood clearance of L-NDDP fits a two-compartment model at lower doses and a single-compartment model at the maximum tolerated dose, suggesting that saturation of the reticuloendothelial organs occurs at the maximum tolerated dose. Two minimal responses were observed. L-NDDP has a toxicity profile similar to that of carboplatin. Phase II studies to address the issue of how the therapeutic index of platinum compounds is affected by liposome entrapment are being planned.

Antineoplastic Agents↗
PubMed1990

Phase I clinical trial of cisplatin given i.v. with 5-fluorouracil and high-dose folinic acid.

We report the results of a phase I study of intravenously administered cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil and high-dose folinic acid. This trial was designed to exploit potential biochemical interactions between these three agents. The maximum tolerated doses were cisplatin, 75 mg/m2, day 1; 5-fluorouracil, 375 mg/m2, days 1-5 and leucovorin 500 mg/m2, days 1-5. The dose-limiting toxic effect of this regimen was myelosuppression. Mild non-hematologic toxic effects were also observed and included nausea, vomiting, stomatitis, and diarrhea. Phase II trial of this regimen are underway, however randomized studies will eventually be necessary to establish whether cisplatin contributes clinically significant activity to this regimen.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Phase I evaluation of thio-TEPA in combination with cisplatin for advanced gynecologic malignancies.

Thirty-five patients with advanced gynecologic malignancies were entered into a phase I study evaluating thio-TEPA in combination with cisplatin (50 mg/m2) intravenously every 4 weeks. Thirty-four patients were evaluable for toxicity and response, and one was evaluable for toxicity only. Median age was 53 years (range 28-72), and performance status less than or equal to 2. Prior treatment included chemotherapy in 21 patients, radiation in 15, hormonal therapy in 3, and immunotherapy in 1. Thio-TEPA was given to three or more patients at each of the following dose levels: 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, and 60 mg/m2. Thio-TEPA's primary toxicity was myelosuppression; at 50 mg/m2, grade 3 or 4 granulocytopenia occurred in 13 of 17 cycles, and grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia occurred in 8 of 17 cycles. The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of thio-TEPA was 40 mg/m2; in 35 cycles at this dose, grade 3 or 4 granulocytopenia occurred in 19, and grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia occurred in 10 cycles; median granulocyte nadir was 1100 (range 110 to 3600) and median platelet nadir was 90,000 (range 10,000 to 289,000). Fifteen patients received three or more cycles at one dose level; cumulative myelosuppression was observed in 11. Two cases of partial alopecia occurred at 40 and 60 mg/m2 thio-TEPA. Responses were as follows: complete response, 5; partial response, 7; stable disease, 14; progressive disease, 8. In 16 patients with ovarian cancer (15 of whom had previously received cisplatin), there were 4 complete responses and 5 partial responses (overall response rate of 56%). The thio-TEPA dose recommended in combination with cisplatin (50 mg/m2) in phase II trials is 40 mg/m2. Cumulative hematologic toxicity may occur with this regimen.

Agranulocytosis↗
PubMed1990

Ifosfamide with mesna uroprotection in the management of lung cancer.

Fourteen patients with extensive disease small cell bronchogenic carcinoma (SCBC) received ifosfamide at 2,000 mg/m2/day for 5 consecutive days with simultaneous mesna and vincristine while 26 patients with extensive disease non-small-cell bronchogenic carcinoma (N-SCBC) received the same regimen without vincristine. Eight partial responses (57%) were observed with a 40-week median survival in the case of SCBC and four partial remissions (15%) with a 31-week median survival in N-SCBC. Granulocytopenia was the dose-limiting toxicity, whereas urotoxicity was well controlled with mesna. Neuropsychiatric toxicity consisted of anxiety, agitation, confusion, and hallucination. Neurobehavioral testing detected worsened performance during ifosfamide treatment. Ifosfamide is one of the few active agents in N-SCBC.

Aged↗
PubMed1990

Comprehensive criteria for assessing therapy-induced toxicity.

Methods of assessing and reporting toxic reactions induced by therapy, particularly chemotherapy, need improvements. Accurate and reliable reporting of therapy-induced toxicity will be necessary for quality clinical research including drug development and for implementation of complex multimodality treatments, currently, however, the extent and quality of reporting of toxic reactions vary widely. Whereas standard and widely accepted criteria have been established for assessing and reporting therapeutic response, no such criteria exist for toxicity. We have developed comprehensive criteria for assessing and reliably reporting toxic reactions. We have reduced the degree of subjectivity in assigning grades by using primarily objective methods. An attempt has been made to standardize the "morbidity impact" of each toxicity grade irrespective of the organ system involved.

Antineoplastic Agents↗