Abstract
Aim: We evaluated the efficacy and safety of itraconazole after first-line chemotherapy in patients with metastatic biliary tract cancer (BTC). Patients and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data from patients with histologically-diagnosed BTC with distant metastases who had received one or more lines of chemotherapy and subsequent itraconazole chemotherapy. Results: Among 28 enrolled patients, 26 (93%) received docetaxel (35 mg/m2), gemcitabine (1,000 mg/m2), and carboplatin (AUC4) on day 1 and oral itraconazole solution (400 mg) on days −2 to 2, repeated every 2 weeks. Two patients received docetaxel plus itraconazole with irinotecan. Two complete responses and 14 partial responses were observed, with a response rate of 57%. The median overall survival was 12.0 months. During 160 cycles, 21 (75%) and 17 (61%) patients had grade 3/4 neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, respectively. Two patients (7%) experienced febrile neutropenia. Conclusion: Combination chemotherapy with itraconazole after first-line chemotherapy is promising for patients with metastatic BTC.
- Received May 4, 2015.
- Revision received June 9, 2015.
- Accepted June 11, 2015.
- Copyright© 2015 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved