4,4'-Dihydroxybenzophenone-2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone (A-007): a topical treatment for cutaneous metastases from malignant cancers.
OBJECTIVE
This study is to document the activity and acceptability for a new topical agent, A-007, in the treatment of cutaneous metastases from cancer.


METHODS
This is a multicenter study involving 27 patients with inoperable skin lesions from histologically confirmed cancers of the breast and oral cavity, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, and angiosarcoma that had failed radiotherapy or systemic treatment. A-007, as a 0.25% gel, was applied twice daily to the areas of cancer to be measured as well as applied to a healthy control area distant from the cancer areas. An untreated cancer area was also included and documented as a cancer control.


RESULTS
The overall objected response rate with A-007 was 26%, with an additional 19% minimum response/stabilization of cancer. For patients with breast cancer, hormonal status did not have an impact on response. The median duration of response was 15 weeks (with one patient having a response for 3.5 years). Toxicities observed were itching, burning, and a rash, in 6 of the 27 patients. The skin toxicities were in the cancer-treated fields; none were observed in the A-007 control areas. All irritated areas cleared while continuing treatment, and the tumor lesions in the areas of itching also improved.


CONCLUSIONS
A-007, as a 0.25% gel, is confirmed as an effective palliative treatment option for cutaneous metastases from cancers. Skin reactions were minimal, tolerated, and no cessation of treatment was required.
Eilender
David
D
Harper Hospital, 5 Hudson, 3990 John R., Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
LoRusso
Patricia
P
Thomas
Leonard
L
McCormick
Catherine
C
Rodgers
Andrew H
AH
Hooper
Catherine L
CL
Tornyos
Karl
K
Krementz
Edward T
ET
Parker
Steven
S
Morgan
Lee Roy
LR
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006835:Hydrazones / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015337:Multicenter Studies as Topic; D010636:Phenols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000556:secondary
C097674:4,4'-dihydroxybenzophenone-2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D006835:Hydrazones; D010636:Phenols