PHARMACOKINETICS OF ETOPOSIDE (VP16) IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH REFRACTORY SOLID TUMORS

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  • 1 January 1984
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 44  (7) , 3109-3113
Abstract
The clinical pharmacokinetics of etoposide were studied in 8 pediatric patients with refractory solid tumors. The .alpha.-phase half-life, .beta.-phase half-life, volume of distribution, and elimination rate constant averaged 0.82 h, 6.5 h, 4.0 l/sq m, and 0.25 h-1, respectively. Noncompartmental parameters such as systemic clearance, mean residence time, and volume of distribution at steady-state averaged 20.9 ml/min/sq m, 7.8 h, and 7.2 l/sq m, respectively. A significant relationship between serum glutamic pyruvic tramsaminase [GPT] and systemic clearance was observed, with patients having elevated serum GPT showing slower systemic clearance of etoposide. Systemic clearance, mean residence time, and .beta.-phase half-life of etoposide were significantly lower in those patients who had received cisplatin prior to their Phase II etoposide trial. The average pharmacokinetic values derived from these 8 pediatric patients with solid tumors did not differ significantly from those previously reported in children with leukemia administered similar dosages and in adults given radioactively labeled etoposide.