Phase I trial of docetaxel administered as a 1-hour infusion in children with refractory solid tumors: a collaborative pediatric branch, National Cancer Institute and Children's Cancer Group trial.

OBJECTIVE

A phase I trial of docetaxel was performed to determine the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), the dose-limiting toxicities, and the incidence and severity of other toxicities in children with refractory solid tumors.

METHODS

Forty-four children received 103 courses of docetaxel administered as a 1-hour intravenous infusion every 21 days. Doses ranged from 55 to 150 mg/m2, MTD was defined in heavily pretreated and less heavily pretreated (< or = 2 prior chemotherapy regimens, no prior bone marrow transplantation [BMT], and no radiation to the spine, skull, ribs, or pelvic bones) patients.

RESULTS

Dose-related neutropenia was the primary dose-limiting toxicity. The MTD in the heavily pretreated patient group was 65 mg/m2, but the less heavily pretreated patients tolerated a significantly higher dose of docetaxel (maximum-tolerated dose, 125 mg/m2). Neutropenia and constitutional symptoms consisting of malaise, myalgias, and anorexia were the dose-limiting toxicities at 150 mg/m2 in the less heavily pretreated patients. Thrombocytopenia was not prominent, even in patients who experienced dose-limiting neutropenia. Common nonhematologic toxicities of docetaxel included skin rashes, mucositis, and mild elevations of serum transaminases. Neuropathy was uncommon. Peripheral edema and weight gain were observed in two of five patients who received more than three cycles of docetaxel. A complete response (CR) was observed in one patient with rhabdomyosarcoma, a partial response (PR) in one patient with peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PPNET), and a minimal response (MR) in two patients with PPNET. Three of the four responding patients were treated at doses > or = 100 mg/m2.

CONCLUSIONS

The recommended phase II dose of docetaxel administered as a 1-hour intravenous infusion in children with solid tumors in 125 mg/m2. Because neutropenia was the dose-limiting toxicity and thrombocytopenia was mild, further escalation of the dose should be attempted with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) support.