Combination of gemcitabine and docetaxel as first line chemotherapy in patients with recurrent/metastatic retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of GT regimen (gemcitabine and docetaxel) in patients with current/metastatic retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma (RLMS) as first line therapy.Methods: Twelve eligible patients were treated with GT regimen (gemcitabine 900 mg/m2 d 1 and d 8, combined with docetaxel 75 mg/m2 d 8; repeated every 21 days). Response and toxicity were evaluated.Results: Twelve patients were enrolled and completed at least 1 cycle and received a total of 49 cycles [median: 3 cycles (range:1-8)] of GT regimen. All patients were evaluable for efficacy: no complete response, 2 patients (16.7%) attained partial response, 4 patients (33.3%) were stable disease, 6 patients (50.0%) were of progressive disease. The disease control rate was 50.0%. The median progression-free survival and the median survival time were 4.0 months (95% confidence internal: 2.9-5.1) and 18.0 months (95% confidence internal: 5.4-30.6), respectively. The most common toxicity was marrow suppression. The 3/4 grade toxicities included leukopenia/neutropenia in 4 (33.3%) patients, thrombopenia in 1 (8.3%), and anemina in 1 (8.3%). No patients died or withdrew due to toxicity.Conclusion: GT regime as a first line treatment for current/metastatic RLMS is highly active and well tolerated. DOI:10.3781/j.issn.1000-7431.2015.33.567