Researchers from several U.S. medical centers have reported that the combination of Zarnestra® (tipifarnib) and oral Vepesid® (etoposide) produces complete responses in 30% of elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) not eligible for intensive induction therapy. The details of this Phase I study were published early online in Blood on December 24, 2008.[1]
Zarnestra is a farnesyl transferase inhibitor undergoing clinical trials. It has been found to be active in patients with myelodysplatic syndrome and AML. One study reported a 34% response rate in elderly patients deemed unsuitable for standard treatment for AML.
The current study evaluated a regimen of Zarnestra and Vepesid given for 14 or 21 days at various dose levels. This study included 84 patients with AML with a median age of 77 years. Dose-limiting toxicities occurred in the 21-day regimen. The complete response rate was 30% for patients receiving the 14-day regimen. These authors suggest that a 14-day regimen warrants further study.
Comments: The treatment of elderly patients with AML remains unsatisfactory and any promising new agents, especially oral ones, need to be actively pursued.
Reference:
[1] Karp JE, Flatten K, Feldman EJ, et al. Active oral regimen for elderly adults with newly diagnosed acute myelogenous leukemia: A preclinical and phase I trial of the farnesyltransferase inhibitor tipifarnib (R115777, Zarnestra) combined with etoposide. Blood [early online publication]. December 24, 2008.
© 1998-2007 OncoEd.com All Rights Reserved.
These materials may discuss uses and dosages for therapeutic products that have not been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. All readers should verify all information and data before administering any drug, therapy or treatment discussed herein. Neither the editors nor the publisher accepts any responsibility for the accuracy of the information or consequences from the use or misuse of the information contained herein.
Patient Home
