title: Phase II trial of piritrexim in metastatic melanoma using intermittent, low-dose administration.
abstract: A phase II trial of piritrexim (2,4-diamino-6[2,5-dimethoxybenzyl]-5-methyl pyrido-[2,3d] pyrimidine, 301U74; PTX) was conducted for patients with metastatic malignant melanoma using an intermittent, low-dose oral administration schedule. PTX was administered at a starting dose of 25 mg orally three times per day for 5 days weekly for 3 weeks followed by 1 week of rest. Thirty-one patients were entered onto the study. Among 31 patients assessable for response, there were two complete responses (CRs) and five partial responses (PRs) for a response rate (CR plus PR) of 23% (95% confidence limit, 10% to 42%). Five responses occurred in soft tissue lesions, and two responses occurred in lung lesions. The initial dose schedule was well tolerated. The dose-limiting toxicity was myelosuppression. PTX administered in this schedule appears to be active against malignant melanoma. Further clinical trials to confirm these results are underway.
authors.affiliation: University of Miami, FL 33136.
authors.forename: L G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Feun
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gonzalez
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Savaraj
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hanlon
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Collier
authors.forename: W A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Robinson
authors.forename: N J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Clendeninn
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007970:Leukopenia / Q000139:chemically induced; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000556:secondary; D008875:Middle Aged; D011743:Pyrimidines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000139:chemically induced
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D011743:Pyrimidines; C024530:piritrexim