Pemetrexed combined with paclitaxel: a dose-finding study evaluating three schedules in solid tumors

The objectives of this phase I study were to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), recommended phase II dose (RD), antitumor activity, safety, and pharmacokinetics of pemetrexed–paclitaxel combination. Patients (N = 95) with advanced solid tumors were assigned to three schedules (21-day cycles [q21d]). Starting doses for each schedule of pemetrexed and paclitaxel, respectively, were: (S1) 400 and 135 mg/m2 on d1; (S2) 400 mg/m2 d1 and 40 mg/m2 d1 and d8; S3) 400 mg/m2 d8 and 30 mg/m2 d1 and d8. MTD was 500/135 mg/m2 (S1), 400/40 mg/m2 (S2), and 500/120 mg/m2 (S3). Most common dose limiting toxicities were febrile neutropenia, fatigue, and neuromotor toxicities. Most common toxicity was grade 3/4 lymphopenia. Four patients had partial response, 43 patients had stable disease. The RD determined was pemetrexed 500 mg/m2 (d8) and paclitaxel 90 mg/m2 (d1 and d8 …