title: The use of L-dopa and carbidopa in metastatic malignant melanoma.
abstract: A combination of L-dopa and carbidopa was given orally to 17 patients with metastatic melanoma. Maximum tolerated oral doses were given, up to 4 grams daily. No response was seen in 15 patients evaluable for response. Toxicity was considerable, with seven of 17 patients (41%) stopping treatment because of unacceptable gastrointestinal toxicity or postural hypotension. Contrary to previous anecdotal reports, there was no evidence that L-dopa/carbidopa treatment resulted in accelerated progression of metastatic melanoma. Orally administered L-dopa/carbidopa is ineffective as therapy for advanced melanoma when maximum tolerated doses are used.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Sydney Westmead Centre, Australia.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Gurney
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Coates
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kefford
mesh_terms: D002230:Carbidopa / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007980:Levodopa / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D007980:Levodopa; D002230:Carbidopa