Combination chemotherapy with docetaxel and irinotecan in metastatic malignant melanoma.

Aim: The aim of the current trial was to assess the efficacy and toxicity of 3-weekly intravenous docetaxel and irinotecan in the treatment of patients with metastatic malignant melanoma.

Materials And Methods: Sixteen patients with no history of previous cytotoxic agents or immunological treatment for advanced disease were treated with docetaxel 50 mg/m2 and irinotecan 150 mg/m2 intravenously over 60 min every 21 days. Prior immunotherapy with interferon and chemotherapy for adjuvant therapies were accepted provided there was a minimum 4-week treatment-free interval. Response evaluation was performed after two cycles.

Results: None of the patients had chemotherapy-induced tumour response. Eight patients achieved stable disease and others had progression of disease. The median survival time was 136 days (95% CI: 30.2-241.8), and the 3-month survival rate was 62.5%. Patients with stable disease (n = 8) had a longer survival than non-responders (P = 0.023, Breslow test). Generally side effects were mild and tolerable. Grade III-IV haematological toxicity occurred in approximately 10%. Severe emesis, stomatitis and diarrhoea was seen in less than 20% of the patients. Alopecia was observed in all patients.

Conclusion: A 3-weekly intravenous docetaxel and irinotecan combination appears to be inactive in the treatment of patients with malignant melanoma and has not been recommended.