title: Phase 1 trial of Anvirzel in patients with refractory solid tumors.
abstract: Anvirzel is an aqueous extract of the plant Nerium oleander which has been utilized to treat patients with advanced malignancies. The current study reports a phase 1 trial to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and safety of Anvirzel in patients with advanced, refractory solid tumors. Patients were randomized to receive this agent by intramuscular injection at doses of 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 ml/m2/day with subsequent patients receiving 0.8 or 1.2 ml/m2/day sequentially. Eighteen patients were enrolled and completed at least one treatment cycle of three weeks. Most patients developed mild injection site pain (78%). Other toxicities included fatigue, nausea, and dyspnea. Traditional dose limiting toxicity was not seen, but the MTD was defined by injection volume as 0.8 ml/m2/day. No objective anti-tumor responses were seen. Anvirzel can be safely administered at doses up to 1.2 ml/m2/day, with the amount administered intramuscularly limited by volume. The recommended phase II dose level is 0.8 ml/m2/day.
authors.affiliation: Taussig Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, 9500 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44195, USA. mekhait@ccf.org
authors.forename: Tarek
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Mekhail
authors.forename: Hanspreet
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kaur
authors.forename: Ram
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ganapathi
authors.forename: G Thomas
authors.initials: GT
authors.lastname: Budd
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Elson
authors.forename: Ronald M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Bukowski
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002298:Cardenolides / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020714:Maximum Tolerated Dose; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; C430926:Anvirzel; D002298:Cardenolides