Irinotecan for Germ Cell Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Kollmannsberger C, Rick O, Klaproth H, Kubin T, Sayer H G, Hentrich M, Welslau M, Mayer F, Kuczyk M, Spott C, Kanz L, Bokemeyer C
Primary Institution: University of Tuebingen Medical Center, Germany
Hypothesis
Does irinotecan have antitumor activity in patients with relapsed or cisplatin-refractory germ cell cancer?
Conclusion
Irinotecan does not show any antitumor activity in patients with cisplatin-refractory germ cell cancer.
Supporting Evidence
- All patients progressed during the first or second cycle of therapy.
- Median overall survival for all patients was 3 months.
- Thirteen patients (87%) have died and two patients (13%) are alive with disease.
Takeaway
The study tested a drug called irinotecan on patients with a type of cancer that didn't respond to other treatments, but it didn't work at all.
Methodology
Patients received irinotecan at a dose of 300-350 mg/m² every 3 weeks, and their responses were evaluated every 4 weeks.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and all patients were heavily pretreated, which may limit the generalizability of the results.
Participant Demographics
Median age was 35 years, with a range of 19-53 years; most had previously failed high-dose chemotherapy.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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