TY - JOUR
T1 - Treatment of advanced urothelial carcinoma with M-VECA (methotrexate, vinblastine, epirubicin and carboplatin)
AU - Lorusso, V.
AU - Pagliarulo, A.
AU - Selvaggi, F. P.
AU - Durini, E.
AU - Riccardi, F.
AU - Comella, P.
AU - Fiorillo, C.
AU - De Lena, M.
PY - 1996
Y1 - 1996
N2 - Transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary tract is actually considered very sensitive to cisplatin-containing regimens. Nevertheless, the generally impaired renal function and poor performance status of these patients are responsible for the severe toxicity usually occurring when cisplatin, either alone or in combination with other agents, is administered to these patients. The aim of this study was to verify the possibility of substituting carbo platin for cisplatin, and epirubicin for doxorubicin in the M-VAC regimen in order to reduce toxicity and improve patient tolerance. Thirty-five patients with advanced urothelial tract carcinoma were treated with a chemotherapeutic regimen composed of methotrexate (30 mg/m 2 iv on days 1, 15, 22), vinblastine (3 mg/m 2 iv on days 2, 15, 22), epirubicin (35 mg/m 2 iv on day 2) and carboplatin (250 mg/m 2 iv on day 2) every 4 weeks (M-VECA). All patients had bidimensionally measurable disease. Of the 32 evaluable patients, 5 (16%) obtained a complete response and 10 (31%) a partial response (response rate: 47% C.I. = 30%-64%). Grade III-IV leuko-thrombocytopenia was observed in 25%, and mucositis in 19% of cases. Nevertheless, recovery was prompt and opportune dosage reductions avoided severe toxicity in subsequent cycles in most patients. In conclusion, M-VECA is a safe and effective regimen for the treatment of patients with metastatic urothelial tumors.
AB - Transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary tract is actually considered very sensitive to cisplatin-containing regimens. Nevertheless, the generally impaired renal function and poor performance status of these patients are responsible for the severe toxicity usually occurring when cisplatin, either alone or in combination with other agents, is administered to these patients. The aim of this study was to verify the possibility of substituting carbo platin for cisplatin, and epirubicin for doxorubicin in the M-VAC regimen in order to reduce toxicity and improve patient tolerance. Thirty-five patients with advanced urothelial tract carcinoma were treated with a chemotherapeutic regimen composed of methotrexate (30 mg/m 2 iv on days 1, 15, 22), vinblastine (3 mg/m 2 iv on days 2, 15, 22), epirubicin (35 mg/m 2 iv on day 2) and carboplatin (250 mg/m 2 iv on day 2) every 4 weeks (M-VECA). All patients had bidimensionally measurable disease. Of the 32 evaluable patients, 5 (16%) obtained a complete response and 10 (31%) a partial response (response rate: 47% C.I. = 30%-64%). Grade III-IV leuko-thrombocytopenia was observed in 25%, and mucositis in 19% of cases. Nevertheless, recovery was prompt and opportune dosage reductions avoided severe toxicity in subsequent cycles in most patients. In conclusion, M-VECA is a safe and effective regimen for the treatment of patients with metastatic urothelial tumors.
KW - Bladder cancer
KW - Carbo platin
KW - Chemotherapy
KW - Epirubicin
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M3 - Article
C2 - 8708748
AN - SCOPUS:0029979213
VL - 8
SP - 154
EP - 158
JO - Journal of Chemotherapy
JF - Journal of Chemotherapy
SN - 1120-009X
IS - 2
ER -