Gemcitabine was used as a frontline treatment for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL)

07-21-2006

According to recent research from Italy, "Based on the activity of gemcitabine in heavily pretreated patients with CTCL, the objective of the current study was to determine the role of gemcitabine in the treatment of patients with advanced, untreated CTCL. Between June 2002 and February 2004, 32 untreated patients with mycosis fungoides (MF) (n=26 patients); peripheral T-cell lymphoma, unspecified (PTCLU) with exclusive skin involvement (n=5 patients); and Sezary syndrome (SS) (n=1 patient) were enrolled in a 7-institution, Phase II trial and treated with gemcitabine."

"This drug was given on Days 1, 8, and 15 of a 28-day schedule at a dose of 1200 mg/m2 intravenously over 30 minutes for a total of 6 cycles. Of the 32 patients studied, 7 (22%) achieved a complete response (CR) and 17 (53%) achieved a partial response (PR), whereas the remaining 8 patients showed no benefit from the treatment. Five of the CRs were confirmed histologically," explained E. Marchi and colleagues, University of Bologna.

"The CR and PR rates were found to be the same for patients with MF and PTCLU, respectively. The median duration of CR was 10 months (range, 4-22 mos). Treatment appeared to be well tolerated; hematologic toxicity was mild and no nausea/emesis or organ toxicity was noted. The results of the current Phase II study demonstrate the activity of gemcitabine as a single agent in untreated CTCL patients."

The researchers concluded, "Further studies using gemcitabine in combination, either contemporary or sequentially, with other drugs in patients with advanced stage, untreated CTCL are needed."

Marchi and colleagues published their study in Cancer (Gemcitabine as frontline treatment for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma - Phase II study of 32 patients. Cancer, 2005;104(11):2437-2441).

For additional information, contact P.L. Zinzani, University of Bologna, Policlin S Orsola, Ist Ematol & Oncology Med Seragnoli, Via Massarenti 9, I-40138 Bologna, Italy.

Keywords: Bologna, Italy, Cutaneous T Cell Lymphoma, CTCL, Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma, Gemcitabine, Oncology, Untreated Patients, Frontline Treatment, Sezary Syndrome, Dermatology.

This article was prepared by Cancer Gene Therapy Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2006, Cancer Gene Therapy Week via NewsRx.com.