Phase I trial of all-trans retinoic acid in patients with treated head and neck squamous carcinoma

Abstract

Although retinoids show promise for prevention of second primary upper aerodigestive tract tumors, the optimum retinoid, dose, and schedule are unknown.

All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) has greater affinity for retinoic acid receptors and may be more active than other retinoids but has a shorter plasma half life and may up-regulate its own metabolism.

We defined the maximum long-term tolerable dose, dosing frequency, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity of ATRA in patients with treated squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN).

Twenty-one patients were randomized to 45, 90, or 150 mg/m2 ATRA either once daily, or as divided doses every 8 h, for 1 year.

Pharmacokinetics were assessed periodically. Fourteen men and seven women with previous SCCHN of initial stage I-IV were treated. Grade > or =3 toxicities (reversible) included headache and hypertriglyceridemia in 5 and 6 patients each, mucositis in 2 patients, and hyperbilirubinemia, elevated alkaline phosphatase, colitis, lipasemia, xerostomia, eczema, and arthritis in 1 patient each. The 150-mg/m2 dose was not tolerable.

Doses were reduced for grade > or =3 toxicity in seven of eight patients at 90 mg/m2 daily. Three of nine patients at 45 mg/m2/day required dose reduction, two at the once-daily dose. Day 1 ATRA area under the plasma concentration versus time curve (AUC) increased with dose, and after 1-2 months of continued dosing, the AUC declined in 7 of 13 patients (54%) studied. ATRA AUC did not correlate with toxicity severity or frequency.

Fifteen mg/m2/day every 8 h is a tolerable dose for 1 year in patients with treated SCCHN. ATRA pharmacokinetics did not correlate with toxicity.

 

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See also:

- Official Web Site: The Di Bella Method;

- The Di Bella Method (A Fixed Part - All-Trans Retinoic Acid, Analogues and/or Derivatives - Approximately 60mg per day orally: 40mg per day Beta-Carotene/β-Carotene, 10mg per day ATRA and 10mg per day Axerophthol palmitate);

- All-Trans-Retinoic Acid (ATRA - analogues and/or derivatives) - In vitro, review and in vivo publications;

- Solution of retinoids in vitamin E in the Di Bella Method biological multitherapy;

- The Di Bella Method (A Fixed Part - Alpha tocopheryl acetate/Vitamin E, approximately 20 grams per day orally);

- Cancer and Vitamin E (analogues and/or derivatives) and cancer - In vitro, review and in vivo publications;

- The Di Bella Method (A Fixed Part - Calcium, 2 grams per day, orally);

- Beta-Carotene or β-carotene in Solution of retinoids in vitamin E in the Di Bella Method biological multitherapy;

- The Di Bella Method (A Fixed Part - Cyclophosphamide 50mg tablets and/or Hydroxyurea 500mg tablets, one or two per day);

- The Di Bella Method DBM improved survival objective response and performance status in a retrospective observational clinical study on 23 tumours of the head and neck;

- Neuroblastoma: Complete objective response to biological treatment;

- Oesophageal squamocellular carcinoma: a complete and objective response;

- Recurrent Glioblastoma Multiforme (grade IV – WHO 2007): a case of complete objective response achieved by means of the concomitant administration of Somatostatin and Octreotide – Retinoids – Vitamin E – Vitamin D3 – Vitamin C – Melatonin – D2 R agonists (Di Bella Method – DBM) associated with Temozolomide;

- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Long-Lasting Remission with Combination of Cyclophosphamide, Somatostatin, Bromocriptine, Retinoids, Melatonin, and ACTH.