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Electrochemotherapy for large cutaneous recurrence of breast cancer: A phase II clinical trial

Matthiessen, Louise Wichmann; Johannesen, Helle Hjorth; Hendel, Helle Westergren; Moss, Timothy; Kamby, Claus; Gehl, Julie

Authors

Louise Wichmann Matthiessen

Helle Hjorth Johannesen

Helle Westergren Hendel

Tim Moss Tim.Moss@uwe.ac.uk
Director of PGR Studies and Associate Professor

Claus Kamby

Julie Gehl



Abstract

Background. Cutaneous recurrences of breast cancer may cause considerable discomfort due to ulceration, oozing, and pain and can also be difficult to treat. Electrochemotherapy is a localised anticancer treatment using electric pulses to make cell membranes permeable, augmenting uptake of chemotherapeutic drugs, and thus enabling highly efficient tumour cell kill. This is the first systematic investigation of electrochemotherapy for larger cutaneous recurrences of breast cancer. Patients and methods. We conducted a phase II trial for patients with cutaneous recurrences where no further treatment options were available. Primary endpoint was objective response evaluated by clinical examination. Secondary endpoints included response evaluated by PET/CT, change in lung diffusion capacity, patient reported symptoms, and distress related to bodily appearance. Treatment consisted of bleomycin injection followed by application of electric pulses. Results. Seventeen heavily pre-treated patients received electrochemotherapy. Twelve patients were evaluable (follow-up >8 weeks). CT showed four (33%) patients achieving over 50% tumour volume reduction, clinical examination showed one CR and one PR (OR 17%). Symptomatic relief included decreasing exudates, odour, and bleeding. Treatment was well tolerated; the main side effect was post-treatment pain. Conclusion. This first phase II study indicates that electrochemotherapy is a promising treatment alternative for cutaneous recurrences of breast cancer. © 2012 Informa Healthcare.

Citation

Matthiessen, L. W., Johannesen, H. H., Hendel, H. W., Moss, T., Kamby, C., & Gehl, J. (2012). Electrochemotherapy for large cutaneous recurrence of breast cancer: A phase II clinical trial. Acta Oncologica, 51(6), 713-721. https://doi.org/10.3109/0284186X.2012.685524

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Jul 1, 2012
Journal Acta Oncologica
Print ISSN 0284-186X
Electronic ISSN 1651-226X
Publisher Taylor & Francis
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 51
Issue 6
Pages 713-721
DOI https://doi.org/10.3109/0284186X.2012.685524
Keywords electrochemotherapy, large cutaneous recurrence, breast cancer, clinical trial
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/945822
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/0284186X.2012.685524