http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=16394892&dopt=Abstract

J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2006 Jan;28(1):40-2.
   
Long-term survival following a phase I/II trial with VETOPEC
for solid tumors in childhood

Ziegler DS, McCowage G, Cohn RJ, White L.

Centre for Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders, Sydney Children's
Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia.

The objective of this study was to evaluate long-term survival after
treatment during a phase I/II trial with a specific regimen of
vincristine, etoposide, and escalating cyclophosphamide (VETOPEC).
Fifty-six children with poor-prognosis solid tumors were enrolled on
study between May 1991 and May 1994. All had tumors that had relapsed
on, or were refractory to, conventional treatment, or for whom existing
treatment options were considered ineffective. The records of all
surviving patients were reviewed to ascertain their disease and health
status. Of the 56 patients, 10 patients (18%) remain alive with no
further disease progression at a median follow-up of 11 years (range
7-13 years). Eight patients (14%) remain completely free of disease.
None of the patients show long-term side effects directly attributable
to the VETOPEC regimen, apart from one patient with ovarian failure.
The VETOPEC regimen can offer not only good tumor responses but also
the chance of cure for a surprisingly large number of children with
very-poor-prognosis solid tumors. This regimen warrants continuing
development and consideration for use in future trials.

PMID: 16394892 [PubMed – in process]