Efficacy of topotecan plus vincristine and doxorubicin in children with recurrent/refractory rhabdomyosarcoma

Med Oncol. 2009;26(1):67-72. doi: 10.1007/s12032-008-9085-8. Epub 2008 Aug 5.

Abstract

Background: This study investigates the efficacy and the feasibility of a chemotherapy regimen with topotecan plus vincristine and doxorubicin (TVD) given on an individually tailored basis to patients with refractory/recurrent rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS).

Patients and methods: Nine patients received TVD therapy at relapse, and six were assessable for response.

Results: All the six patients experienced objective response after two cycles of chemotherapy: one minor response, four partial response, and one complete response.

Conclusions: The value of our study is severely limited by the small number of cases, the single-institutional setting and the individually tailored treatment, but we nonetheless confirmed the feasibility and tolerability of topotecan-based chemotherapy in RMS.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Antibiotics, Antineoplastic / administration & dosage
  • Antibiotics, Antineoplastic / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / adverse effects
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Doxorubicin / administration & dosage*
  • Doxorubicin / adverse effects
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infusions, Intravenous
  • Male
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local
  • Rhabdomyosarcoma / drug therapy*
  • Rhabdomyosarcoma / pathology
  • Topotecan / administration & dosage*
  • Topotecan / adverse effects
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vincristine / administration & dosage*
  • Vincristine / adverse effects

Substances

  • Antibiotics, Antineoplastic
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
  • Vincristine
  • Topotecan
  • Doxorubicin