Abstract
Objectives:
Describe clinical outcomes of DDP+VNB chemotherapy (CT) scheme in 60 pts affected by recurrent/metastatic salivary gland malignancies (RMSGM).
Methods:
From April 2001 to February 2009, 60 cases with RMSGM were enrolled. All patients received the following regimen: DDP 80 mg/sm d.1 + VNB 25 mg/sm d.1,8 every 3 weeks. The study foresees a maximum of 6 cycles.
Results:
Patient characteristics were as follows: 35 males (58%) and 25 females (42%); median age: 56 yrs (range 20-68); median ECOG PS: 1 (0-2); histology: adenocarcinoma 15 (25%), adenoid cystic ca. 34 (57%), others 11 (18%); site of disease: local 30 (50%), mts +/- local 30 (50%). Forty-two patients received DDP+VNB as first line CT (70%) while 18 pts (30%) had the combination as second-line CT (30%). After a median of 5 cycles of first line DDP+VNB responses were: 3 CR (7%), 10 PR (24%), 14 NC (33%) and 15 PD (36%). After a median of 4 cycles of second line CT responses were: 0 CR; 1 PR (5%), 6 NC (33%) 11 PD (62%). Median survival: 10 months (3-29) for first line CT; 4 months (1-12) for second line CT. G3-4 toxicity: neutropenia (20%), anemia (12%), nausea/vomiting (12%), peripheral toxicity (3%).
Conclusions:
DDP+VNB is an effective first line CT in RMSGM; second line CT has a low palliative activity. Toxicity seems acceptable. This regimen could be suitable for an integration with new biologic target agents.
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