Phase I Trial of Combined Modality Irinotecan, Cisplatin, and Concurrent Radiation Therapy for Patients With Locally Advanced Esophageal Cancer

OBJECTIVES:

• Determine the dose limiting toxicity of irinotecan when given weekly with cisplatin and concurrent external beam multifield radiotherapy in patients with locally advanced carcinoma of the esophagus or gastroesophageal junction.
• Determine the maximum tolerated dose and the recommended phase II dose of irinotecan in this regimen in this patient population.
• Evaluate the complete response rate in these patients to one course of induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

OUTLINE: This is a dose escalation study of irinotecan.

Patients receive induction chemotherapy with cisplatin IV over 30 minutes followed by irinotecan IV over 30 minutes on days 1, 8, 15, and 22. Following 2 weeks of rest, patients begin chemoradiation. Patients receive cisplatin and irinotecan as above on days 1, 8, 22, and 29 and radiotherapy once daily 5 days a week for 5-6 weeks.

Cohorts of 3-6 patients receive escalating doses of irinotecan until the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) is determined. The MTD is defined as the dose preceding that at which 2 of 6 patients experience dose limiting toxicities.