title: Phase II study of Edatrexate in stage III and IV non-small-cell lung cancer.
abstract: A total of 49 patients with advanced, previously untreated non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were treated with a new antifolate, Edatrexate (10-ethyl-10-deaza-aminopterin; 10-EdAM). Patients received 80 mg/m2 weekly for 12 weeks, and responders received a further 6 cycles at 2-week intervals. Dose reductions were carried out for haematological toxicity and mucositis. Response was assessed prior to each treatment according to WHO criteria. Among the 45 evaluable patients, 6 [13.3%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 6%-26%] achieved a partial response (PR) and 9 (20%; 95% CI, 11%-34%) showed a minor response (MR; 25%-50% reduction in the sum of 2 perpendicular tumour diameters). In those receiving four or more cycles of treatment, the PR and MR rates were 17.6% and 26.4%, respectively. The resultant toxicity mainly constituted skin rash, mucositis and myelosuppression. Edatrexate is active against NSCLC and produces toxicity profile similar to that of methotrexate.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oncology, University College & Middlesex School of Medicine, London, U.K.
authors.forename: R L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Souhami
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Rudd
authors.forename: S G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Spiro
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Allen
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Lamond
authors.forename: P G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: Harper
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000630:Aminopterin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D009367:Neoplasm Staging
chemical_list: C040210:edatrexate; D000630:Aminopterin