[A trial of combination chemotherapy. Cis-platinum, peplomycin and adriamycin for advanced prostatic cancer]

Between September 1982 and May 1984, combination chemotherapy with cis-platinum, peplomycin and adriamycin was administered to 12 patients with histologically confirmed adenocarcinoma of the prostate and progressive disease with evaluable parameters. Cis-platinum (CDDP) 20 mg/sqm was administered intravenously on Days 1-5, peplomycin 5 mg/sqm by 24-hour continuous drip infusion on day 1-5 and adriamycin 25 mg/sqm on Day 1. This course was repeated every 28 days. The dose and schedule were modified by hematologic toxicity or other side effects. One patient refused therapy because of severe nausea and vomiting; therefore 11 patients were eligible for response evaluation. Of the 11 patients, two had a documented PR, five had SD and four had PD. Ten patients whose disease eventually progressed received a second line of therapy consisting either of estramustine or estrogen. Of these ten patients, 6 had a documented PR, one had SD and three had PD. It is concluded that this combination chemotherapy regimen may prime advanced prostatic cancer to respond to hormonal therapy, even though it has only a limited effect on advanced prostatic cancer.