title: N-(phosphonacetyl)-L-aspartate (PALA) in advanced breast cancer: a phase II trial of the EORTC breast cancer cooperative group.
abstract: Twenty-nine evaluable patients with extensively pretreated breast cancer received PALA, a new pyrimidine antimetabolite. The drug was given by intravenous infusion over 60 min, at a daily dose of 2.5 g/m2 for 2 consecutive days. Courses were repeated at 2-week intervals and doses were escalated to toxicity. Two objective partial remissions were observed, lasting for 3 and 4.5 months respectively. Toxic effects were dose-related and consisted mainly of mucocutaneous manifestations, i.e., skin rashes, stomatitis, diarrhea, conjunctivitis and corneal ulcerations. Evidence of antitumor potential in far-advanced disease and lack of myelosuppression point to the need for additional trials of PALA in a more favorable selection of patients with breast cancer.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D001224:Aspartic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004064:Digestive System / Q000187:drug effects; D003875:Drug Eruptions / Q000209:etiology; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral; D008875:Middle Aged; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D009943:Organophosphorus Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010746:Phosphonoacetic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives
chemical_list: D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic; D009943:Organophosphorus Compounds; D001224:Aspartic Acid; C013195:sparfosic acid; D010746:Phosphonoacetic Acid