SU5416 and Irinotecan in Treating Patients With Advanced Colorectal Cancer

OBJECTIVES: I. Determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and dose-limiting toxicity of SU5416 in combination with irinotecan in patients with advanced colorectal cancer. II. Determine time to disease progression, objective response rate, and survival time in these patients receiving this regimen at the MTD. III. Evaluate the safety and tolerance of this regimen in these patients. OUTLINE: This is a dose-escalation study of SU5416. Patients receive irinotecan IV over 90 minutes on day 1 of weeks 1-4 and SU5416 IV over 60 minutes on days 1 and 4 of weeks 1-6. Treatment continues every 6 weeks in the absence of unacceptable toxicity or disease progression. Cohorts of 3-6 patients receive escalating doses of SU5416 until the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) is determined. The MTD is defined as the dose preceding that at which 2 of 3 or 2 of 6 patients experience dose-limiting toxicity. Once the MTD is determined, additional patients are accrued to receive treatment with SU5416 and irinotecan at the recommended phase II dose. Patients are followed every 3 months.