[Toxicity of the CYVADIC modification in patients with soft tissue sarcomas or malignant mesotheliomas]

CYVADIC (cyclophosphamide + vincristine + adriamycin + dacarbazine = DTIC) is frequently used in the treatment of patients with soft tissue sarcomas or malignant mesotheliomas. As a modification of the protocol originally published by Gottlieb, the interval between two cycles was extended to 4 weeks for better bone marrow regeneration and vincristine was given only once instead of twice per cycle. A total of 237 cycles of this modified CYVADIC protocol resulted in tolerable toxicity (except nausea and vomiting) and therapeutic results comparable to the original protocol (6/22 complete remissions and 6/22 partial remissions in sarcomas; 1/5 partial remission in mesotheliomas). Hematotoxicity was cumulative after 6 CYVADIC cycles. In contrast to the original Gottlieb scheme there were no severe infections such as pneumonia or sepsis. Neurotoxicity was weak and reversible; cardiotoxicity was not observed. Compared to the protocol originally suggested by Gottlieb, the modified CYVADIC regimen appears to be as effective but less toxic.