Phase I Study of Capecitabine in Combination With Cisplatin and Irinotecan

RATIONALE: Many studies have tested the combination of cisplatin and irinotecan. Side effects have been well described. The two drugs are synergistic.

The standard of care for colon cancer is the combination of 5-FU, leucovorin and irinotecan (Saltz regimen). Recently, oxaliplatin has been introduced for the treatment of colon cancer. Combination of oxaliplatin with 5FU (Folfox4) have shown comparable activity to the Saltz regimen. Furthermore, one author recently published on the triple combination of oxaliplatin, 5FU and irinotecan, with impressive clinical activity in colon cancer.

There is some evidence that 5FU impairs DNA repair. One of the putative resistance mechanism to topoisomerase I inhibitors is increased DNA repair. We therefore hypothesize that inhibition of DNA repair by capecitabine may increase the activity of the combination of cisplatin and irinotecan.

This study is open to all patients with solid tumor who have failed a line of chemotherapy

Inclusion criteria

• All patients, 18 years of age or older, with incurable advanced cancer for whom there is no effective therapy are eligible.
• Patients must have a life expectancy of at least 12 weeks.
• Patients must have a Zubrod performance status of 0-2.
• Patients must sign an informed consent.
• Patients should have adequate bone marrow function defined by an absolute peripheral granulocyte count of > 1,500 or cells/mm3 and platelet count >100,000/mm3 and absence of a regular red blood cell transfusion requirement.
• Patients should have adequate hepatic function with a total bilirubin < 2 mg/dl and SGOT or SGPT < two times the upper limit of normal, and adequate renal function as defined by a serum creatinine < 1.5 x upper limit of normal.

Exclusion criteria

• Patients with symptomatic brain metastases are excluded from this study.
• Pregnant women or nursing mothers are not eligible for this trial. Patients of child bearing potential must use adequate contraception.
• Patients may receive no other concurrent chemotherapy or radiation therapy during this trial.
• Patients with severe medical problems such as uncontrolled diabetes mellitus or cardiovascular disease or active infections are not eligible for this trial.
• Patients whose cancer progressed while receiving 5-FU, cisplatin or irinotecan.