Purpose: Pyrazoloacridine (PZA) is an acridine derivative selected for clinical development because of broad pre-clinical antitumor activity and solid tumor selectivity. Phase I evaluations with PZA have demonstrated predictable toxicity and suggested clinical efficacy. A phase II trial in patients with previously untreated advanced pancreatic cancer was conducted.
Methods: PZA was administered at a dose of 750 mg/m2 intravenously over 3 hours every 21 days. Seventeen patients were treated receiving a total of 46 courses of PZA.
Results: Of the 15 patients evaluable for response, no responses were observed (0% response rate, 95% confidence interval 0-22%). Major toxicities directly attributable to PZA included moderate neutropenia and mild neurotoxicity.
Conclusion: PZA at this dose and schedule of administration was inactive in patients with pancreatic carcinoma.