A phase II study of taxol in patients with malignant melanoma

Based on results of a phase I study demonstrating antitumor activity of taxol in patients with melanoma, 34 patients with documented metastatic melanoma received taxol, 250 mg/m2, as a 24-hours infusion, repeated every 21 days, in this phase II study. All patients received premedication with dexamethasone, diphenhydramine and cimetidine. Four patients experienced anaphylactic reactions and stopped treatment. Other significant toxicity of this drug included short-lived but severe neutropenia (less than 1,000/mm2) and peripheral neurotoxicity. Four of 28 evaluable patients demonstrated objective response (14%) (confidence interval, 4%-33%) including 3 complete responses and 1 partial response. Two complete responders are continuing at 25+ and 38+ months after achieving CR. Minor evidence of anti-tumor activity was noted in five additional patients. Taxol has significant activity in melanoma and should be further studied in combination with other agents in this disease.