Androgen deprivation and four courses of fixed-schedule suramin treatment in patients with newly diagnosed metastatic prostate cancer: A southwest oncology group study

Maha Hussain, Emily I. Fisher, Daniel P. Petrylak, John O'Connor, David P. Wood, Eric J. Small, Mario A. Eisenberger, E. David Crawford

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the feasibility of administering a combination of suramin and hydrocortisone in addition to androgen deprivation in a cooperative group setting; to assess the feasibility of treatment with multiple courses of suramin; and to assess progression-free and overall survival in patients with newly diagnosed metastotic prostate cancer who underwent such treatment. Patients and Methods: Patients with newly diagnosed metastatic prostate cancer who had adequate hematologic, hepatic, renal, neurologic, and coagulation parameters were treated by combined androgen deprivation and suramin plus hydrocortisone. Suramin was administered on a 78-day fixed dosing schedule (one cycle), and suramin treatment cycles were repeated every 6 months for a total of four cycles. The statistical design was developed on the basis of the feasibility of administering suramin, as judged by the number of patients who developed neurotoxicity of grade 3 or higher or by treatment interruption of 4 weeks or longer due to any persistent suramin-related toxicity. Results: Of the 62 patients enrolled onto the study between August 1994 and January 1997, 59 were eligible and assessable for toxicity on the first cycle. Thirty-two (54%) of 59 patients received a second cycle, 13 (22%) of 59 patients received a third cycle, and only five patients (8%) received a fourth cycle. During the first cycle, 27 patients were removed from the study: 17 because of toxicity, five because of disease progression, two who had died, and three because of other reasons. There was one therapy-related death. Grade 4 toxicities were noted in 11 and three patients during first and second courses, respectively. Neurotoxicity of grade 3 or higher was observed in nine and seven patients during the first and second cycles, respectively. Fifteen patients had treatment interruptions of 4 weeks or longer. Overall, only 54% (95% confidence interval, 41% to 67%) of the patients demonstrated acceptable limits of toxicity. Conclusion: Suramin plus hydrocortisone and androgen deprivation has limited applicability in the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed metastatic prostote cancer. (C) 2000 by American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1043-1049
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology
Volume18
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2000
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

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