Preoperative chemotherapy for esophageal cancer with paclitaxel and carboplatin: Results of a phase II trial

R. S. Keresztes, J. L. Port, M. W. Pasmantier, R. J. Korst, Nasser K. Altorki

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26 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: Paclitaxel has one of the highest response rates when used as a single agent in patients with esophageal cancer. The combination of paclitaxel and carboplatin has been shown to be a well-tolerated and safe regimen in non-small cell lung cancer. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of preoperative paclitaxel and carboplatin in patients with carcinoma of the esophagus. Patients and Methods: A phase II trial was initiated in January 1999 and concluded in January 2001. All patients had potentially resectable disease (including clinical T4 lesions). Patients with stage I disease and those with visceral metastases were excluded. All underwent preoperative computed tomography scanning and endosonography for staging. Paclitaxel (200 mg/m2) and carboplatin (area under the curve = 6) were given on days 1 and 22. Esophagectomy was carried out on weeks 6 to 8. Results: Twenty-six (11 epidermoid, 15 adenocarcinoma) patients completed the trial. Median age was 61.5 and 85% were men. Preoperative staging showed: stage IIA, 6 patients; stage IIB, 1 patient; and stage III, 19 patients. All patients completed their preoperative chemotherapy. There was no unexpected chemotherapy-related toxicity. A major clinical response was achieved in 16 patients (61%: 19% complete, 42% partial). Resectability was 77% (20/26). A complete pathologic response was seen in 11% of all patients and in 25% of those with epidermoid cancer. Hospital mortality and morbidity were 4 and 27%, respectively. Overall 3-year survival was 48% (64% for resected patients, median not reached). All 6 unresectable patients died within 6 months of exploration. Conclusion: Paclitaxel-carboplatin combination is a safe and well-tolerated regimen for esophageal cancer with clinical response rates comparable to historical controls. This regimen may be especially suitable for patients with epidermoid cancer, who had a 25% pathological complete response in this report.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1603-1608
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
Volume126
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2003
Externally publishedYes

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