A phase I-II study of weekly cisplatin and gemcitabine with concurrent radiotherapy in locally advanced cervical carcinoma

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) and the antitumor activity of gemcitabine when administered in combination with concurrent cisplatin and radiotherapy in locally advanced cervical carcinoma (LACC). Patients and methods: Patients with histologically confirmed LACC (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics IIB–IVA), previously untreated, were eligible for entry in the study to receive radiotherapy and concomitant weekly chemotherapy with cisplatin 40 mg/m 2 and gemcitabine at increasing doses levels until the MTD was found. Results: Thirty-six patients were included. Sixteen patients were entered at four dose levels. The MTD was 150 mg/m 2 and the recommended dose of gemcitabine for phase II was 125 mg/m 2 . Twenty additional patients were entered at this level. Toxicity at the recommended dose was acceptable with grade 3/4 toxicity in