Metronomic chemotherapy (MC) is defined as the
frequent administration of chemotherapy at doses below
the maximal tolerated dose (MTD) and with no
prolonged drug-free break or simply “lower doses,
longer times”. MC well adapted to low- and middleincome countries.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to describe the use of MC
and assess the safety of MC drugs given to children with
refractory, relapse and advance cancer of various tumor
types.
Methods:
This prospective observational study was
conducted in the Department of Pediatric Hematology
and Oncology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical
University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh from January
2016 to January 2019. This study evaluated the outcome
and safety of MC with orally available cytotoxic drugs,
Cyclophosphamide (50mg/m2
/dose) and Etoposide
(50mg/m2
/dose) daily for 21days followed by 1-week
break, Sodium Valproate (Valproic acid)- 10-
15mg/kg/day for 21 days followed by 1-week break. This
treatment was given to children with advance stage
diseases (stage-IV), relapse cases and refractory cancer
following treatments with the standard protocols
available in our institution. Adverse events were
determined through laboratory analyses and investigator
observations.
Results:
Total 21 children (median age- 4y; range, 6 m
to14y) were included. Among 21 patients 2 patients lost
to follow-up. 19 patients included in this study. The most
frequent diagnoses were Neuroblastoma (14). At 8 weeks
13(68.42%) patients experienced disease stabilization
and progressive disease 06(31.57%). 11(57.89%) patients
achieved partial remission. Complete remission achieved
9(47.36%) patients at 28 weeks and 2(10.52%) patients
up to last follow-up at 150weeks and continued their
treatment for 37.5 months. After a median follow-up of
24 weeks (range:2-96wk) 8 patients (42%) were alive.
During treatment period there were no significant
complication only one patient developed mild
neutropenia. No other moderate to severe toxicities were
noted.
Conclusion:
The MC that we used was safe, well tolerated and
represents good value for patients with advance diseases
that are eligible for palliative care. Children achieved
disease stabilization, partial and complete remission
without any complication. The use of MC in children in
low and middle-income countries is safe and effect.
Keywords :
Metronomic Chemotherapy, Low and Middle Income, Advanced Cancer, Children