Phase II study of cisplatin plus epirubicin salvage chemotherapy in refractory germ cell tumors.

Purpose: Initial cisplatin (CIS) combination chemotherapy will cure 70% of patients with disseminated testicular cancer. This phase II clinical trial evaluated the combination of CIS plus epirubicin (CIS-EPI) in patients with metastatic germ cell tumors (GCT) not amenable to cure with standard salvage therapy.

Patients And Methods: Between March 2001 and August 2005, 30 patients with GCT, who had received at least one previous CIS-based regimen, were enrolled.

Phase II study of gemcitabine plus docetaxel in advanced pancreatic cancer: a Hoosier Oncology Group study.

Objective: To determine the response rate, duration of response and survival with weekly gemcitabine plus docetaxel in metastatic or unresectable pancreatic cancer.

Methods: Forty patients were enrolled, and 38 patients were evaluable for survival and toxicity. Thirty-seven patients were evaluable for response.

Phase II study of paclitaxel plus gemcitabine in refractory germ cell tumors (E9897): a trial of the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group.

Purpose: Despite great success in the treatment of disseminated germ cell tumors, 20% of patients are incurable and become candidates for investigational therapy. Paclitaxel and gemcitabine have shown activity as single agents in refractory germ cell tumors and can be combined with manageable toxicity.

Patients And Methods: Patients with germ cell tumors believed to be incurable with chemotherapy or surgery were treated with paclitaxel 110 mg/m(2) and gemcitabine 1,000 mg/m(2) intravenously on days 1, 8, and 15 of a 4-week cycle for a maximum of six cycles.