A phase I/II study of combined weekly systemic cisplatin and locoregional hyperthermia in patients with previously irradiated recurrent carcinoma of the uterine cervix

We investigated the feasibility and the anti-tumour activity of weekly cisplatin and the simultaneous application of local hyperthermia in patients with a pelvic recurrence of cervical cancer in previously irradiated area. Dose levels of cisplatin 60 mg m-2, 70 mg m-2 and 80 mg m-2 were studied. Treatment objective of hyperthermia was the achievement of a tumour temperature of ≥ 42°for 60 min, during cisplatin administration. The protocol advised six weekly cycles of combined treatment. Nineteen patients, median age 47 years (range 26-71), were treated. A total of 89 cycles of combined treatment were administered. Even at the highest dose level of cisplatin, 80 mg m-2 weekly, no dose-limiting toxicity was observed. Leucocytopenia at scheduled retreatment resulted in 1 or 2 weeks postponement in five cases. Neurotoxicity and renal toxicity were mild or absent. Maximum tumour temperatures achieved ranged 39.7-43.6°C, mean 41.6 ± 0.7°C. All 19 patients were evaluable for response. One patient achieved a complete response that lasted 20 months, and nine patients achieved a partial response for a median duration of 6 months (range 4-50+ months), for an overall response rate of 53%. One patient subsequently underwent salvage surgery and currently remains free of disease at 4 years. We found that this combined hyperthermia-dose-intensive cisplatin regimen was well-tolerated. The true impact of the combination of cisplatin and locoregional hyperthermia can only be answered in a randomized study. Nonetheless, based on existing data on the poor efficacy of cisplatin in pelvic recurrent cervical cancer, we believe that the combined modality approach of weekly hyperthermia plus dose-intensive cisplatin is an attractive regimen, particularly if subsequent salvage surgery is available.

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