Accelerated BEP for Metastatic Germ Cell Tumour
Author Information
Author(s): Rimmer Y, Chester J, Joffe J, Stark D, Shamash J, Powles T, White J, Wason J, Parashar D, Armstrong G, Mazhar D, Williams M V
Primary Institution: Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust
Hypothesis
Can increasing the dose-density of BEP chemotherapy improve safety and tolerability for patients with metastatic germ cell tumours?
Conclusion
Accelerated BEP is tolerable without major additional toxicity, but a randomised controlled trial is needed to assess its efficacy.
Supporting Evidence
- 14 of 16 patients completed the study treatment.
- The overall relative dose-density for all patients was mean 1.38.
- Complete response was achieved in 11 patients (69%).
- The estimated 5-year progression-free survival probability is 81%.
Takeaway
This study tested a faster way to give chemotherapy to men with a type of cancer called germ cell tumours, and it was mostly safe.
Methodology
Sixteen male patients with intermediate or poor prognosis metastatic germ cell tumours were treated with four cycles of a 3-day BEP regimen on a 14-day cycle.
Limitations
The sample size was too small to exclude a change in the incidence of bleomycin pulmonary toxicity.
Participant Demographics
All participants were male, with a median age of 29 years (range 20–41).
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI 64–100%
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website