Metronomic etoposide/cyclophospliamide/celecoxib regimen given to children and adolescents with refractory cancer: A preliminary monocentric study

Background: Metronomic chemotherapy (MC) is the administration of chemotherapy at doses below the maximal tolerated dose on a frequent schedule of administration, with no prolonged drug-free breaks. Objective: The aim of this research was to assess the effectiveness and tolerance of a metronomic etoposide/cyclophosphamide/celecoxib regimen in children and adolescents with refractory cancer. Methods: This retrospective, single-center study evaluated the use of MC with etoposide 25 mg/m(2).d(-1) (days 1-14), cyclophosphamide 25 mg/m(2).d(-1) (days 15-28), and celecoxib 100 to 400 mg/d (days 1-28), in children with refractory, or high-risk relapsing, cancer. Adverse events were determined through laboratory analyses and investigator observations. Results: From January 2005 to December 2007, 17 children and adolescents were treated. The best responses observed were stabilizations of the disease that lasted over 20 weeks in 7 patients (41%). Most importantly, in 4 patients (24%) antalgic treatment could be transiently diminished or stopped, and in 1 patient (6%) oxygen support could be stopped for several weeks. Four grade IV platelet toxicities were noted in 3 patients; 2 grade IV anemia occurred in 2 patients (who had platelet and red blood cell transfusions before initiation of treatment); and 1 patient had grade III neutropenia. No other grade III or IV toxicities were noted. Grade II alopecia and stomatitis were observed in 1 patient and grade II vomiting was observed in bilateral subdural hematoma for which the role of MC could not be ruled out. Circulating endothelial cells were elevated in 3 out of 3 patients in whom they were quantified and who were progressing while under MC. Conclusion: The MC regimen we report here was associated with disease stabilization without major toxicities. This assessment of MC in children and adolescents warrants further studies.