A phase II study of epidoxorubicin in colorectal cancer and the use of cyclosporin-A in an attempt to reverse multidrug resistance
1991

Epidoxorubicin and Cyclosporin-A in Colorectal Cancer

Sample size: 24 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): J. Verweijl, H. Herweijerl, R. Oosterom, M.E.L. van der Burg, A.S.Th. Planting, C. Seynaeve, G. Stoter, K. Nooterl

Primary Institution: Rotterdam Cancer Institute/Daniel den Hoed Kliniek

Hypothesis

Can cyclosporin-A reverse multidrug resistance in colorectal cancer patients receiving epidoxorubicin?

Conclusion

The combination of cyclosporin-A and epidoxorubicin did not show significant effectiveness in treating colorectal cancer.

Supporting Evidence

  • Only one partial response was observed in the study.
  • Median cyclosporin-A peak blood levels were 6248 ng/ml.
  • 33% of patients experienced severe leucocytopenia.

Takeaway

Doctors tried to use a drug called cyclosporin-A to help another drug work better for cancer, but it didn't really help the patients.

Methodology

Patients received cyclosporin-A followed by epidoxorubicin, with drug levels monitored and responses evaluated after two cycles.

Limitations

The study had a small sample size and only one partial response was observed.

Participant Demographics

Median age was 56 years, with 13 males and 11 females.

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