title: Homoharringtonine: a phase I evaluation.
abstract: Homoharringtonine is one of several Cephalotaxine esters which have shown experimental antineoplastic activity as well as anti-leukemia effects in patients in China. In a Phase I trial of homoharringtonine administered daily X 5 by bolus intravenous injection, the dose limiting toxicity was hypotension and the maximum tolerated dose was 3.5 mg/m2/d X 5. Evidence of drug induced cardiac irritability with resulting ventricular and atrial dysrhythmias was seen. Minimal myelosuppression was seen at this dose. Treatment of patients by 5 day continuous intravenous (rather than bolus) infusion resulted in more pronounced myelosuppression and clinically significant but tolerable hypotension. Significant reduction of white blood cell and platelet counts occurred at a dose of 3.5 mg/m2/day. Further investigations of the hypotensive and cardiac effects of homoharringtonine and Phase II trials using continuous infusion are indicated.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000470:Alkaloids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006248:Harringtonines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006321:Heart / Q000187:drug effects; D000077863:Homoharringtonine; D006801:Humans; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral; D007958:Leukocyte Count / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010976:Platelet Count / Q000187:drug effects; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000470:Alkaloids; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D006248:Harringtonines; D000077863:Homoharringtonine