Clinical Trial: Surgery Plus Chemotherapy (Doxorubicin, Vincristine and Etoposide), Mitotane, and Tariquidar to Treat Adrenocortical Cancer

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Interventional

Official Title: A Study of Combination Chemotherapy & Surgical Resection in the Tx of Adrenocortical Cancer: Mitotane & Continuous Infusion Doxorubicin, Vincristine & Etoposide w/the P-glycoprotein Antago

Brief Summary:

This study will examine the safety and effectiveness of treating adrenocortical cancer with combination chemotherapy using doxorubicin, vincristine, and etoposide in addition to the drugs mitotane and tariquidar and, when possible, surgery. Adrenocortical cancer cells have a large amount of a protein called P-glycoprotein that "pumps" anti-cancer drugs out of the cells, decreasing their effectiveness. Continuous infusions of doxorubicin, vincristine, and etoposide may improve chemotherapy results by blocking the P-glycoprotein pump, as may use of tariquidar, an experimental drug that is known to block the P-glycoprotein pump.

Patients 18 years of age and older with adrenocortical cancer that has recurred, spread, or cannot be treated surgically may be eligible for this study. Candidates will be screened with a medical history and physical examination; review of pathology slides; blood tests; electrocardiogram (EKG); imaging tests, including computed tomography (CT) of the chest, abdomen and pelvis; chest x-ray; and possibly a bone scan or other imaging tests needed to evaluate the cancer, urine studies, and an echocardiogram. Also, a biopsy (removal of a small sample of tumor tissue) may be required if a specimen is not available to confirm the cancer.

Participants will undergo the following tests and procedures:

  • Tumor biopsy. Before starting chemotherapy, a small piece of tumor is removed to study the P-glycoprotein pump and to determine the tumor genetics.
  • Blood draw. Blood is drawn before treatment begins to establish baseline levels for future blood tests.
  • Central venous catheter placement. A specially trained physician places a plastic tube into a major vein

    Detailed Summary:

    Adrenocortical cancer (ACC) is a rare tumor that is optimally treated with surgical resection. However, many patients present with unresectable disease and relapses are common after surgical resection creating a need for more effective systemic therapies. Several investigators have reported responses to a variety of chemotherapy agents, without a clear improvement in overall survival. A possible explanation for these disappointing results is the high levels of expression of P-glycoprotein (Pgp) seen in a majority of adrenocortical cancers. Pgp, a membrane protein that can function as a drug efflux pump lowering the intracellular concentrations of various drugs, has been implicated as a mechanism of drug resistance.

    A prior National Cancer Institute (NCI) study (referred to as MAVE) tried to improve response rates by using a combined modality approach with chemotherapy and surgery. Prior in vitro studies had shown that mitotane inhibited Pgp and that continuous exposure to doxorubicin and vincristine was more effective at overcoming Pgp-mediated resistance than the same drugs given on an intermittent schedule. The MAVE study used daily oral mitotane with infusional doxorubicin, vincristine, and etoposide prior to tumor resection in patients with resectable or potentially resectable tumors. The results showed an overall response rate of 19% (including minor responses), and an overall median survival of 13.5 months. These results were similar to those reported with previous regimens in adrenocortical cancer (ACC). A possible explanation for the failure to achieve a higher response rate may be that mitotane was unable to inhibit Pgp. Although the serum levels of mitotane achieved in patients had been shown to block Pgp in vitro, inhibition of Pgp in patients was not accomplished, as documented by a validated surrogate assay using Pgp-expressing CD56+ cells and the Pgp substra
    Sponsor: National Cancer Institute (NCI)

    Current Primary Outcome: Percentage of Participants With a Partial or Complete Response [ Time Frame: Every 6 weeks for up to a year ]

    Response was assessed by the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) criteria. Complete response is defined as the disappearance of all signs and symptoms of tumor for a period of at least 4 weeks. Partial response is defined as at least a 30% decrease in the sum of the longest diameter of all measured lesions lasting for a period of 4 weeks.


    Original Primary Outcome:

    Current Secondary Outcome: Number of Participants With Adverse Events [ Time Frame: 60 months, 19 days ]

    Here is the number of participants with adverse events. For the detailed list of adverse events see the adverse event module.


    Original Secondary Outcome:

    Information By: National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC)

    Dates:
    Date Received: October 9, 2003
    Date Started: October 2003
    Date Completion:
    Last Updated: September 12, 2012
    Last Verified: September 2012