NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ -- March, 23, 2009 -- A treatment combination of gemcitabine and vinorelbine (GV) may be effective for preteens and young adults with recurrent or refractory Hodgkin's disease in pre-teens and young adults, according to a phase 2 study published in the March 20 print issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Investigators found that when children and young adults with Hodgkin's disease were administered GV, the response was greater than reported for either drug by itself.
Richard Drachtman, MD, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, The Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ), New Brunswick, New Jersey, and colleagues looked at 30 patients (median age, 17 years) who were heavily treated in their initial stage of Hodgkin's disease. A median of five, 21-day cycles of GV were administered to each patient.
Results showed that 19 of 25 patients had measurable responses, with 6 having complete response, 11 having a very good partial response, and 2 having a partial response. Event-free and overall survival rates at 1 year measured 59.5% and 86%.
Predominant side effects were haematologic in nature and primarily consisted of decreased bone marrow activity.
The researchers noted that further evaluation of GV for this population of patients is warranted.
SOURCE: The Cancer Institute of New Jersey
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