Phase I trial of paclitaxel in children with refractory solid tumors: a Pediatric Oncology Group Study.

PURPOSE

A phase I study was performed to describe the principal toxicities and identify the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) of Taxol (paclitaxel; Bristol-Myers Squibb Co, Wallingford, CT) in children with therapy-resistant solid tumors. Additionally, the pharmacokinetic disposition of Taxol in children was studied, and preliminary evidence of the activity of Taxol against pediatric solid tumors was assessed.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty-four-hour continuous infusions of Taxol were administered every 21 days to children (median age, 12 years; range, 2 to 22) with refractory solid tumors. Doses ranged from 200 to 420 mg/m2, there was no intrapatient dose escalation.

RESULTS

A total of 62 courses of Taxol were administered to 31 patients. Two patients developed acute anaphylaxis during their second infusion of taxol at doses of 200 mg/m2 and 350 mg/m2, respectively. No other allergic reactions were documented. Myelosuppression occurred at all dose levels, but was of short duration (< or = 7 days) and did not appear to increase with consecutive courses or at higher dosage levels. A stocking-and-glove peripheral neuropathy became evident at doses > or = 290 mg/m2. Dose-limiting neurotoxicity occurred at 420 mg/m2 and comprised a significant fine-motor and peripheral neuropathy in one patient, and a tonic-clonic seizure in another. End-of-infusion plasma concentrations ranged from 0.40 to 6.4 mumol/L, and were not found to be dose-dependent over the range of doses studied. A complete response was documented in one patient, partial response in two, and minimal response in one for an overall response rate of 13%.

CONCLUSION

Neurotoxicity was dose-limiting when Taxol was administered by 24-hour continuous infusion to pediatric patients with relapsed solid tumors. In this population, the recommended dose for phase II trials is 350 mg/m2/d.