Phase II Trial of Topotecan in Malignant Melanoma

1 January 1997

journal article
clinical trial
Published by Taylor & Francis in Cancer Investigation

Vol. 15 (4) , 318-320
https://doi.org/10.3109/07357909709039732

Abstract

Topotecan (S-9-dimethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin hydrochloride SKF 104864-A) is a semisynthetic analog of the alkaloid camptothecin and, similar to the parent compound, a potent inhibitor of topoisomerase I. The cytotoxicity induced by topotecan appears due to interference with the normal breakage reunion reaction of topoisomerase I leading to DNA damage and cell death. Since preclinical studies of topotecan suggested antitumor activity against refractory solid tumors, a phase II trial of the drug was initiated in melanoma patients with recurrent and/or metastatic disease. Topotecan 1.5 mg/m2 was given as a daily 30-min infusion for 5 days and repeated every 21-28 days. Seventeen patients were entered into the treatment program with all evaluable for toxicity but I patient, inevaluable for response. There were no objective responses. Toxicity was predominantly severe myelosuppression, which occurred in 12 of 17 (70%) patients. Topotecan in this dose and schedule is inactive in malignant melanoma.

Keywords

This publication has 2 references indexed in Scilit:

Comparison of Topoisomerase I Inhibition, DNA Damage, and Cytotoxicity of Camptothecin Derivatives Presently in Clinical Trials
JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 1994
The Current Status of Camptothecin Analogues as Antitumor Agents
JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 1993