Single-dose methotrexate regimen in the treatment of low-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia

Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2006 Nov;195(5):1282-6. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2006.03.048. Epub 2006 May 24.

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of single-dose methotrexate in women with low-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia.

Study design: In this prospective observational cohort study, 105 women with low-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia were treated with an intravenous bolus of 100 mg/m2 of methotrexate followed by a 12-hour infusion of 200 mg/m2. If the human chorionic gonadotropin level fell 10-fold after 2 weeks, no further chemotherapy was given. Characteristics between the 2 groups with or without complete remission with this regimen were compared.

Results: The overall complete remission rate with methotrexate was 84.8%, with 44.8% of women requiring a single dose of methotrexate alone. The pretreatment human chorionic gonadotropin level was found to be significantly higher in women who failed the single-dose methotrexate regimen (P = .001), and 10 of 11 patients with metastases required further doses.

Conclusion: This regimen offers an effective option for women with low-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia without metastases and a low pretreatment human chorionic gonadotropin level.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / administration & dosage*
  • Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / adverse effects
  • Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / therapeutic use
  • Chorionic Gonadotropin / blood
  • Cohort Studies
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Female
  • Gestational Trophoblastic Disease / blood
  • Gestational Trophoblastic Disease / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Injections, Intravenous
  • Methotrexate / administration & dosage*
  • Methotrexate / adverse effects
  • Methotrexate / therapeutic use
  • Middle Aged
  • Pregnancy
  • Prospective Studies
  • Remission Induction
  • Retreatment
  • Risk Factors
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic
  • Chorionic Gonadotropin
  • Methotrexate