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Phase I and pharmacologic study of topotecan in patients with impaired renal function

S O'Reilly1, E K Rowinsky, W Slichenmyer

  • 1Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287-8934, USA.

Abstract

Insights

Topotecan dosing requires adjustment in moderate renal impairment to avoid toxicity. A starting dose of 0.75 mg/m2/d is recommended for patients with moderate renal dysfunction.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology
  • Oncology
  • Nephrology

Background:

  • Topotecan is a topoisomerase I inhibitor used in cancer treatment.
  • Renal function significantly impacts drug clearance and toxicity.
  • Understanding topotecan pharmacokinetics in renal dysfunction is crucial for safe dosing.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate toxicities, pharmacokinetics, and optimal topotecan doses in patients with varying renal impairment.
  • To establish safe and effective dosing strategies for topotecan in patients with compromised kidney function.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 14 patients with normal renal function and 28 with renal dysfunction received topotecan (0.4-2.0 mg/m2/d).
  • Plasma and urine samples were collected to analyze topotecan disposition.
  • Creatinine clearance (CrCl) was used to categorize renal function (mild: 40-59 mL/min; moderate: 20-39 mL/min).

Main Results:

  • Dose-limiting hematologic toxicity was observed in patients with mild and moderate renal dysfunction, particularly in extensively pretreated individuals.
  • Significant correlations were found between CrCl and plasma clearance of total topotecan and topotecan lactone.
  • Systemic clearance of topotecan was reduced in patients with mild and moderate renal dysfunction, with no change in the exposure-myelotoxicity relationship.

Conclusions:

  • Dose adjustments for topotecan are necessary for patients with moderate renal impairment.
  • A recommended starting dose of 0.75 mg/m2/d for 5 days every 3 weeks is proposed for moderate renal dysfunction.
  • Extensively pretreated patients may require further dose reductions to mitigate toxicity.

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