[Phase II study of carboplatin in genitourinary cancer. Urological Cooperative Study Group on Carboplatin]

Carboplatin was evaluated in a phase II study involving 109 patients with genitourinary cancer. A total of 21 cases of advanced testicular tumor, 38 of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the urinary tract and 25 of prostatic cancer were evaluable for response. The response rate in testicular tumors was 48%, with 70% in seminomas and 27% in nonseminomas. Three responses were observed in patients previously treated with cisplatin. In TCC, the response rate was 18%. No response was observed in prostatic cancer. Carboplatin was well tolerated with no significant renal impairment and ototoxicity detected. Nausea and vomiting were experienced by 50% of patients but the severity was low. Severe myelosuppression, thrombocytopenia and leukopenia were observed. In conclusion, carboplatin has demonstrated activity in both testicular tumors and TCC of the urinary tract and is worthy of further study, especially in combination with other active drugs.