Phase II study of thoracic radiation therapy with concurrent cisplatin and etoposide in unresectable non-small cell lung cancer

The primary objectives were to determine the overall response rate [ORR], progression-free survival [PFS], and overall survival [OS]. Secondary objectives were evaluation of possible prognostic factors, and toxicity profile. Induction chemotherapy consisted of Cisplatin 30mg/m2 and etoposide 130 mg/m2 on days 1 through 3 every 28 days for 3 cycles, then concurrent hyper fractionated-split course radiation with 1.5 GY per fraction bid up to 60 GY together with 2 cycles of Cisplatin and etoposide in the 1st week and last week, followed by 1-2 cycles of Cisplatin and etoposide given to patients with locally advanced stage III non small cell lung cancer. Thirty five patients were enrolled, five were excluded, ORR was 76.7%, the mean time to tumor progression was 14.57 months, the estimated one year PFS was 73.9% with CI=95%, the two year OS was 21.7% with CI=95%, grade 3 hematological toxicity developed in 6.7% of patients [n=2], no more than grade 2 non hematological toxicity was developed. Our protocol was feasible and tolerable, but it did not add any advantage over the standard concurrent chemo radiation

Serum cholinesterases in childhood tumors

Serum cholinesterase activity was measured in a total of 45 child with various types of malignant diseases. Sixteen had acute lymphoblastic leukemia, 7 suffered from acute non lymphoblastic leukemias, 14 had non Hodgkins lymphoma and 8 suffered from other types of childhood tumors. Eleven healthy children were also included and served as controls. The activity levels of the enzyme were significantly decreased [P < 0.001] in children suffering from tumors compared to controls. Inhibition studies revealed modified properties of the enzyme. Upon treatment, the enzyme activity increased in 10 cases while it decreased in 5 patients after induction. The treatment induced further modification of enzyme properties. The decreased enzyme activity in children suffering from malignant tumors could be attributed to decreased synthesis or secrection by their affected livers. Abnormal forms could be derived from the tumor cells themselves as evidenced by increased enzyme activity upon induction of therapy, in 10 patients. Decreased enzymatic activity observed in 5 children after therapeutic induction could be a result of reluctance to therapy, but this needs further confirmation