Erlotinib in combination with capecitabine and docetaxel in patients with metastatic breast cancer: a dose-escalation study

Eur J Cancer. 2008 Feb;44(3):419-26. doi: 10.1016/j.ejca.2007.12.011. Epub 2008 Jan 30.

Abstract

Capecitabine added to docetaxel extends survival in metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and shows additive efficacy with erlotinib in pre-clinical studies. This study aimed to determine the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) of capecitabine/docetaxel with erlotinib and assess tolerability, anti-tumour activity and potential pharmacokinetic interactions. Three treatment cohorts were assessed, using different dosing regimens. A total of 24 women with MBC were enrolled sequentially. The regimen comprising erlotinib 100mg/day continuously, capecitabine 825mg/m2 bid on days 1 to 14 and docetaxel 75mg/m2 intravenously every 3 weeks on day 1 was well tolerated and was established as the MTD. Overall response rate was 67%, comprising two complete and 12 partial responders in 21 assessable patients. The most common treatment-related adverse events were gastrointestinal disorders and skin toxicities. Pharmacokinetic studies showed that exposure to the three drugs was not reduced when given in combination. These encouraging preliminary results warrant further trials of the combination in MBC.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial, Phase I
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / adverse effects*
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / pharmacokinetics
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Capecitabine
  • Cohort Studies
  • Deoxycytidine / administration & dosage
  • Deoxycytidine / adverse effects
  • Deoxycytidine / analogs & derivatives
  • Deoxycytidine / pharmacokinetics
  • Docetaxel
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Drug Interactions
  • Erlotinib Hydrochloride
  • Female
  • Fluorouracil / administration & dosage
  • Fluorouracil / adverse effects
  • Fluorouracil / analogs & derivatives
  • Fluorouracil / pharmacokinetics
  • Humans
  • Maximum Tolerated Dose
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Quinazolines / administration & dosage
  • Quinazolines / adverse effects
  • Quinazolines / pharmacokinetics
  • Taxoids / administration & dosage
  • Taxoids / adverse effects
  • Taxoids / pharmacokinetics
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Quinazolines
  • Taxoids
  • Deoxycytidine
  • Docetaxel
  • Capecitabine
  • Erlotinib Hydrochloride
  • Fluorouracil