Combination of ametopterine (MTX) and cyclophosphamide (CPM) based on the principle of partial synchronization of cell proliferation in lung cancer. Phase II study.
Twenty-three patients with histologically proven bronchogenic carcinoma of the lung were treated with regimen consisting of 3 intravenous doses of 0.4 mg/kg of MTX and intravenous infusion of 30-50 mg/kg body weight of CPM. Interval between 1st and 2nd dose of MTX, which served as synchronizing agent in phase G1/S, was 12 hrs, and interval between 2nd and 3rd dose -- 6 hrs. Infusion of CPM, which was considered to be a preferably S-phase killer was started simultaneously with administration of 3rd dose of MTX. Such courses were repeated every 21-30 days. Objective responses were noted in 10 of 19 adequately treated patients. MTX-CPM favourably influenced survival of the responders. The therapy was, however associated with a number of adverse reactions, from which neutropenia and complicating bacterial infections were particularly dangerous.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002283:Carcinoma, Bronchogenic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009503:Neutropenia / Q000139:chemically induced
D003520:Cyclophosphamide; D008727:Methotrexate