TCNU in adenocarcinoma of the lung: a phase II study with divided doses.
TCNU, a new water soluble nitrosourea, has in preclinical studies shown higher activity when given as divided doses compared with one day single treatment. Accordingly, 38 consecutive patients with non-resectable adenocarcinoma of the lung received TCNU 40 mg/m2 p.o. daily for three days every 4 weeks. The response rate among 37 evaluable patients was 14%, median response duration was 17 weeks (range 5-57+ weeks) and median survival 22 weeks (range 3-96+ weeks). Hematologic toxicity was pronounced, especially thrombocytopenia, and 57% of the patients had WHO grade 3 or 4 WBC or platelet count. Overall, dose reduction or delay of treatment due to hematologic toxicity was necessary in 66% of the patients. This, together with the limited activity, renders TCNU in the present dose and schedule unsuitable for further investigations in this disease entity.
Sørensen
J B
JB
Department of Oncology, Finsen Institute, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Bach
F
F
Dombernowsky
P
P
Vibe-Petersen
J
J
Hansen
H H
HH
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D009607:Nitrosourea Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013654:Taurine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D009607:Nitrosourea Compounds; D013654:Taurine; C052991:1-(2-chloroethyl)-3-(2-(dimethylaminosulfonyl)ethyl)-1-nitrosourea