Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 12, 2026
04:04
Endobronchial Ultrasound-guided Intratumoral Injection of Cisplatin for the Treatment of Isolated Mediastinal Recurrence of Lung Cancer
Published on: February 12, 2017
11.1K
Trabectedin Followed by Irinotecan Can Stabilize Disease in Advanced Translocation-Positive Sarcomas with Acceptable
J Herzog1, F von Klot-Heydenfeldt1, S Jabar2
1Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Comprehensive Cancer Center Munich, Kinderklinik München Schwabing, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, München, Germany.
Sarcoma
|November 16, 2016
Summary
Trabectedin followed by irinotecan showed promising results for advanced sarcomas, controlling refractory tumors. While significant hematological toxicity occurred, it was reversible, and quality of life was maintained.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Preclinical studies suggest trabectedin and irinotecan synergistically affect Ewing sarcoma.
- Trabectedin may hypersensitize tumor cells to irinotecan (a camptothecin).
- Synergistic suppression of EWS-FLI1 downstream targets is a potential mechanism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of trabectedin followed by irinotecan in patients with advanced sarcomas.
- To assess the combination therapy in end-stage refractory translocation-positive sarcomas.
Main Methods:
- Compassionate use program involving 12 patients with end-stage refractory translocation-positive sarcomas.
- Eight patients had Ewing sarcoma; four had other translocation-positive sarcomas.
- Treatment involved trabectedin followed by irinotecan.
Main Results:
- A 3-month survival rate of 75% was observed.
- One partial response (RECIST), five stable disease, and six progressive disease cases.
- Significant, but reversible, hematological toxicity (grades 3-4) was common.
- Reversible liver toxicity and diarrhea were also reported.
Conclusions:
- The combination of trabectedin and irinotecan shows promise for controlling advanced, refractory sarcomas.
- Hematological toxicity was significant but reversible, with maintained quality of life.
- Results support further investigation in a larger clinical trial.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Drugs that Stabilize Microtubules
2.8K
Microtubules are dynamic structures that undergo cycles of catastrophe and rescue. The microtubules play a central role in cell division by forming the spindle apparatus for segregating the chromosomes. This makes them ideal targets for regulating dividing cells in tumors and malignant cancer cells. Microtubule stabilizing drugs help stabilize the microtubule formation and promote its polymerization. Paclitaxel was the first microtubule stabilizing agent used as anticancer drug in chemotherapy...
2.8K
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
9.0K
The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
9.0K
01:10Drugs that Destabilize Microtubules
4.2K
Microtubules are dynamic structures and can be regulated by microtubule targeting agents (MTAs). Microtubule destabilizing drugs are a class of MTAs that destabilize and prevent microtubules' polymerization. Both natural and synthetic chemicals can be found under this class of drugs. Vincristine and vinblastine, two vinca alkaloids, and colchicine were among the first to be discovered. These drugs can affect cells in various ways, either by inducing a change in cell morphology, preventing...
4.2K
02:50Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
6.3K
Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
6.3K
02:56Treatment Resistant Cancers
3.9K
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
3.9K
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy
2.1K
Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
2.1K