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Taxol in malignant melanoma
1Albert Einstein Cancer Center, New York, NY 10467.
Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Monographs
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Taxol shows significant antitumor activity in metastatic malignant melanoma patients. This analysis of clinical trials suggests Taxol warrants further investigation in combination therapies for melanoma.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Research
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Taxol (paclitaxel) is an established antitumor agent with demonstrated efficacy across various human cancers.
- Preclinical studies indicated Taxol's potential against melanoma, including B16 melanoma models and human stem cell assays.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Taxol in patients with metastatic malignant melanoma.
- To determine if existing Phase II data supports advancing Taxol into Phase III trials for melanoma treatment.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from three published Phase II trials of Taxol in metastatic malignant melanoma patients.
- Inclusion of data from an ongoing study combining Taxol with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor.
- Assessment of response rate and quality in 73 evaluable patients.
Main Results:
- A combined 16.4% complete or partial response rate was observed in evaluable patients.
- Additional objective responses and disease stabilization were noted in a significant proportion of patients.
- Responses were documented in various metastatic sites, including liver, lung, and skin.
Conclusions:
- Taxol demonstrates comparable activity to other agents like dacarbazine and cisplatin in metastatic malignant melanoma.
- The findings support the potential of Taxol as a monotherapy and warrant pilot studies for combination therapies in melanoma treatment.