Phase II Trial of FR901228 for Refractory Stomach or Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer: Efficacy and Safety Evaluation

This phase II trial is studying how well FR901228 works in treating patients with refractory stomach cancer or gastroesophageal junction. Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as FR901228, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. FR901228 may also stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for their growth.

Detailed Description

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:

I. Determine the radiographic response rate (complete response and partial response) in patients with refractory adenocarcinoma of the stomach or gastroesophageal junction treated with FR901228 (depsipeptide).

SECONDARY OBJECTIVES:

I. Determine the median time to progression and progression-free survival of patients treated with this drug.

II. Determine the grade 3 and 4 toxic effects of this drug in these patients.

OUTLINE: This is an open-label, multicenter study.

Patients receive FR901228 (depsipeptide) IV over 4 hours on days 1, 8, and 15. Courses repeat every 28 days in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.