A pilot study of diethyldithiocarbamate in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and the AIDS-related complex.
We investigated the use of diethyldithiocarbamate (DTC, or Imuthiolr, Merieux Institute) as a therapeutic agent in patients with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and AIDS-Related Complex (ARC). Patients were prospectively stratified and randomized to receive DTC 200 mg/m2 intravenously weekly for 16 weeks or no therapy, followed by crossover to the opposite arm for an equal period. Forty-four patients were entered and forty were evaluable. There was a statistically significant decrease in symptoms in the DTC treated patients compared to the controls (p = .002). There was a significant improvement in lymphadenopathy in the treated patients compared to the controls (p = .005). One patient showed disappearance of splenomegaly, one clearing of antifungal agent-resistant perianal moniliasis, and one clearing of hairy leukoplakia. No significant differences in progression were noted. No changes were seen in any of the immunological parameters measured. There was no significant toxicity. Because of the changes in symptoms and in lymphadenopathy, we suggest that further study of DTC, both alone and in combination with other agents, may be indicated.
Brewton
G W
GW
Department of Clinical Immunology and Biological Therapy, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030.
Hersh
E M
EM
Rios
A
A
Mansell
P W
PW
Hollinger
B
B
Reuben
J M
JM
D000386:AIDS-Related Complex / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004050:Ditiocarb / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D015993:Life Tables; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011897:Random Allocation; D015996:Survival Rate
D004050:Ditiocarb