Multicentre phase II study of gemcitabine and cisplatin in malignant pleural mesothelioma

Br J Cancer. 2002 Feb 1;86(3):342-5. doi: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6600118.

Abstract

Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a notoriously chemoresistant tumour. However, a recent single institution study showed an impressive activity of gemcitabine and cisplatin. Our aim is to investigate the efficacy and toxicity of a gemcitabine and cisplatin combination in selected and chemo-naive patients with histologically proven malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Method: Gemcitabine 1250 mg m(-2) was administered on day 1 and day 8 and cisplatin 80 mg m(-2) was administered on day 1 in a 3-week cycle with a maximum of six cycles. Response and toxicity evaluations were performed according to WHO and NCIC-CTC criteria. Pathology and radiology were centrally reviewed. Results show that in 25 evaluable patients, four PR were observed (ORR 16%, 95% CI 1-31%). Responses of seven patients were unevaluable. No unexpected toxicity occurred. Time to progression was 6 months (5-7 months) with a median survival from registration of 9.6 months (95% CI 8-12 months). In conclusion this trial excludes with 90% power a response rate of greater than 30% in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma using a combination of gemcitabine and cisplatin at the proposed dose and schedule.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Clinical Trial, Phase II
  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Cisplatin / administration & dosage
  • Deoxycytidine / administration & dosage
  • Deoxycytidine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Female
  • Gemcitabine
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mesothelioma / drug therapy*
  • Mesothelioma / mortality
  • Mesothelioma / pathology
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Pleural Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Pleural Neoplasms / mortality
  • Pleural Neoplasms / pathology
  • Survival Rate

Substances

  • Deoxycytidine
  • Cisplatin
  • Gemcitabine