摘要
Objective Neuroendocrine carcinomas(NECs) are resistant to currently available chemotherapy agents, and its therapeutic options are limited. Preclinical data have suggested synergy between capecitabine and temozolomide(CAPTEM). Therefore, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of CAPTEM in patients with metastatic NECs who have failed prior therapies.Methods A retrospective review was conducted on seven patients with metastatic NECs for whom platinum-based chemotherapies and hepatic chemoembolization failed. Patients received capecitabine(1000 mg twice daily on days 1-14) and temozolomide(150–200 mg/m^2 once daily on days 10–14) every 28 days. Tumor assessments were performed every two cycles.Results Among the seven patients treated, two achieved partial remission and four achieved stable disease. The total response rate was 29%, and the clinical benefit was 86%. Median progression-free survival was 10(range: 8–14) months. The most common toxicities were grade 1 and 2 neutropenia, grade 1 fatigue, and grade 1 and 2 hand-foot syndrome. No grade 4 toxicities or treatment-related deaths were observed.Conclusion Our study showed that the CAPTEM regimen is an effective and well-tolerated salvage option for NECs. Further prospective studies are warranted to evaluate optimal combinations of the CAPTEM regimen for NECs.
Objective Neuroendocrine carcinomas （NECs） are resistant to currently available chemotherapy agents, and its therapeutic options are limited. Preclinical data have suggested synergy between capecitabine and temozolomide （CAPTEM）. Therefore, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of CAPTEM in patients with metastatic NECs who have failed prior therapies. Methods A retrospective review was conducted on seven patients with metastatic NECs for whom platinum-based chemotherapies and hepatic chemoembolization failed. Patients received capecitabine （1000 mg twice daily on days 1-14） and temozolomide （150-200 mg/m2 once daily on days 10-14） every 28 days. Tumor assessments were performed every two cycles. Results Among the seven patients treated, two achieved partial remission and four achieved stable disease. The total response rate was 29%, and the clinical benefit was 86%. Median progression-free survival was 10 （range： 8-14） months. The most common toxicities were grade 1 and 2 neutropenia, grade 1 fatigue, and grade 1 and 2 hand-foot syndrome. No grade 4 toxicities or treatment-related deaths were observed. Conclusion Our study showed that the CAPTEM regimen is an effective and well-tolerated salvage option for NECs. Further prospective studies are warranted to evaluate optimal combinations of the CAPTEM regimen for NECs.
