title: Combination chemotherapy in metastatic malignant melanoma: a randomized study of three DTIC-containing combination.
abstract: The activity of three DTIC-containing combinations was compared in a prospective randomized study. Of 101 patients randomized to receive one of the three regimens, 95 received adequate trials. Response rates were as follows: DTIC + cyclophosphamide 7/29 (24%); DTIC + vinblastine 6/34 (18%); DTIC + procarbazine 4/32 (13%). None of these response rates is significantly superior to any of the others. When the activity of the combination is analyzed by sex, DTIC + cyclophosphamide appears more active in females than the other regimens, but the difference is not statistically significant. Response to treatment is associated with significant prolongation of life; the median survival among responders was 11 months, while those who progressed lived a median of 4 months from the start of therapy. Toxicity of all regimens appeared to be about the same; therapy with DTIC + procarbazine was associated with significantly more nausea and vomiting. This study has failed to demonstrate clearly that any of three combinations is superior to any of the others.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003606:Dacarbazine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis / Q000188:drug therapy; D011344:Procarbazine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012075:Remission, Spontaneous; D013997:Time Factors; D014226:Triazenes / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014747:Vinblastine / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D014226:Triazenes; D011344:Procarbazine; D014747:Vinblastine; D003606:Dacarbazine; D003520:Cyclophosphamide