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Activity of the dolastatin analogue, LU103793, in malignant melanoma
J Smyth1, M E Boneterre, J Schellens
1ICRF Medical Oncology Unit, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK. j.smyth@icrf.icnet.uk
Abstract:
LU103793, a synthetic analogue of dolastatin 15, showed interesting pre-clinical activity in melanoma xenografts. In this phase II multicentre trial, 80 chemotherapy-naïve patients with metastatic melanoma received a total of 218 cycles of treatment. The response rate showed one complete and three partial responses of median duration six months (range 3-9.1). Toxicity was moderate, mostly haematological (neutropenia grade 4 in 16%, grade 3 in 3%). There were no significant problems with hypertension or other non-haematological toxicities.
Insights
LU103793, a dolastatin 15 analogue, demonstrated moderate efficacy in metastatic melanoma patients. The trial reported a 5% overall response rate with manageable, primarily hematological, toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- LU103793 is a synthetic analogue of dolastatin 15.
- Pre-clinical studies indicated activity in melanoma xenografts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of LU103793 in chemotherapy-naïve patients with metastatic melanoma.
Main Methods:
- Phase II multicentre trial.
- 80 patients with metastatic melanoma received LU103793.
- Treatment involved a median of 2.7 cycles per patient.
Main Results:
- One complete response and three partial responses observed.
- Median response duration was six months.
- Moderate toxicity, mainly neutropenia (16% grade 4, 3% grade 3), with no significant hypertension.
Conclusions:
- LU103793 shows potential in metastatic melanoma.
- The drug has a manageable toxicity profile, warranting further investigation.