m-AMSA: phase II trial in advanced lymphoma and leukemia.
m-AMSA, an acridine dye derivative, has been utilized in 36 patients with advanced hematologic malignancies. In 22 patients with lymphoma receiving 120 mg/m2 every 3 weeks, 10(45%) have achieved remissions. Eight of these remissions have been partial. The median duration of remission in patients with lymphoma was 3 months (range 1-12+ months). In 11 patients with acute leukemia receiving m-AMSA, 40 mg/m2 t.i.d. for 5 days, three (27%) have achieved remissions. Two of the three remissions have been complete. All three remissions in patients with leukemia were sustained for 1 month. Two patients with myeloma and one patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia failed to respond. The major toxicity of m-AMSA has been myelosuppression. The dose-limiting toxic effect in patients with lymphoma was neutropenia. Nausea and vomiting, alopecia, phlebitis, and hepatic dysfunction have been noted in a minority of patients. Phlebitis appeared to be prevented with heparin administration after m-AMSA infusion. One fatal arrhythmia occurred, apparently related to therapy. m-AMSA appears active in advanced leukemia and lymphoma. Further studies are merited, particularly in combination with known effective agents, in order to improve upon remission duration.
D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000609:Aminoacridines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000677:Amsacrine; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001855:Bone Marrow Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D006689:Hodgkin Disease / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007938:Leukemia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007945:Leukemia, Lymphoid / Q000188:drug therapy; D007951:Leukemia, Myeloid / Q000188:drug therapy; D015470:Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / Q000188:drug therapy; D008206:Lymphatic Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012008:Recurrence
D000609:Aminoacridines; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D000677:Amsacrine