Vinorelbine as neoadjuvant chemotherapy in advanced cervical carcinoma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of vinorelbine (VNB) as single-agent neoadjuvant chemotherapy in advanced cervical carcinoma (ACC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between December 1993 and October 1995, 43 untreated patients with stages IIB to IVA squamous cell cervical cancer were entered onto this study. Forty-two patients are assessable for response and 43 for toxicity. The median age was 46 years (range, 28 to 65). Distribution by stages (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics [FIGO]) was as follows: IIB, 18 patients; IIIA, one; IIIB, 19; and IVA, five. Therapy consisted of VNB 30 mg/m2 by 20-minute intravenous (IV) infusion repeated weekly for 12 injections and followed by radical surgery if feasible or definitive radiotherapy. Both staging and response assessment were performed by a multidisciplinary team. RESULTS: One patient was considered not assessable for response. A total of 493 cycles of therapy were administered and objective remissions were observed in 19 of 42 patients (45%; 95% confidence interval, 30% to 60%). Two patients (5%) had a complete response (CR) and 17 (40%) a partial response (PR); no change (NC) was observed in 16 (38%) and progressive disease (PD) in seven (17%). Six of 19 patients (32%) who achieved objective responses (ORs) underwent surgery. The median time to failure and median survival time have not been reached yet. There were no therapy-related deaths. The dose-limiting toxicity was myelosuppression. Leukopenia occurred in 35 patients (81%) and was grade 3 or 4 in seven (17%). Twelve patients (28%) developed peripheral neuropathy, while myalgias occurred in 10 (23%). Constipation was observed in nine patients (21%), one with a prolonged ileum. Phlebitis was recorded in 18 patients (41%). In contrast, emesis and mucositis were rarely observed. No patient developed alopecia grade 3. By the end of the twelfth course of treatment, the average received dose-intensity was 85.4% of that projected. CONCLUSION: VNB is an active drug against ACC with moderate toxicity. Its activity is among the highest reported for single agents. Further evaluation in association with other agents is clearly justified.

Ifosfamide and cisplatin as neoadjuvant chemotherapy for advanced cervical carcinoma.

A phase II trial was performed to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of a combination of cisplatin (CDDP) and ifosfamide (IFX) as neoadjuvant chemotherapy in advanced cervical carcinoma (ACC). Between August 1991 and September 1993, 57 untreated patients with stages IIB to IVA were entered into this study. Median age was 44 years (range, 25 to 74 years). The distribution by stages (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) was as follows: IIB, 31 patients; IIIB, 21 patients; and IVA, 5 patients. Therapy consisted of IFX 2000 mg/m(2) 1-h i.v. infusion days 1 to 3; mesna 400 mg/m(2) i.v. bolus at hours 0 and 4, and 800 mg p.o. at hour 8; and CDDP 100 mg/m(2) on day 3. Cycles were repeated every 28 days for a total of three courses. Both staging and response assessment were performed by a multidisciplinary team. An objective response was observed in 30 of 56 patients (54%; 95% confidence interval, 41 to 67%). Four patients (7%) had a complete response (CR) and 26(46%) had a partial response (PR). Patients with CR or operable PR underwent surgery, otherwise received definitive radiotherapy. Toxicity was mild to moderate. There were no toxicity related deaths. These results indicate that IFX/CDDP is an active combination for ACC with mild toxicity. The results of phase III studies that evaluate the real impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy are awaited.