Oxaliplatin as first-line treatment in inoperable biliary tract carcinoma: a multicenter phase II study
BACKGROUND:
A multicenter phase II study was conducted in order to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oxaliplatin as first-line treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic carcinoma of the biliary tract.
PATIENTS AND METHODS:
Twenty-nine chemo-naïve patients with locally advanced or metastatic biliary tract carcinoma received oxaliplatin 130 mg/m(2) i.v. every 21 days. Patients were treated until tumor progression or unacceptable toxicity.
RESULTS:
An objective response (3 complete responses, 3 partial responses) was achieved in 6 patients (20.6%, 95% CI 5.95-35.4). Disease control (complete response, partial response and stable disease) was observed in 14 patients (48.2%). The median time to tumor progression was 3 months (range 0.7-39) and the median overall survival was 7 months (range 1-39). The 1-year survival rate was 32%. Toxicity was mild.
CONCLUSION:
Oxaliplatin is an active agent against biliary tract carcinoma and therefore should be further investigated in combination with other cytotoxic drugs.
Androulakis N, Aravantinos G, Syrigos K, Polyzos A, Ziras N, Tselepatiotis E, Samonis G, Kentepozidis N, Giassas S, Vamvakas L, Georgoulias V.