Journal of the National Cancer Institute
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J. Natl. Cancer Inst. · Oct 1994
Computerized quantitation of synergism and antagonism of taxol, topotecan, and cisplatin against human teratocarcinoma cell growth: a rational approach to clinical protocol design.
Cisplatin-based induction chemotherapy may achieve a complete response (i.e., no sign of tumor following treatment) in 70%-80% of patients with germ cell tumors. However, only a minority of patients in whom the firstline regimens fail are cured with the salvage regimens. ⋯ Our findings suggest that, as a result of synergy, the doses of these agents needed to achieve an antitumor effect may be reduced by twofold to eightfold when these agents are given in combination. The present quantitative data analyses for synergism or antagonism provide a basis for a rational design of clinical protocols for combination chemotherapy in patients with advanced germ cell tumors.