A phase II study of methyl CCNU in the treatment of solid tumors and lymphomas: a Southwest Oncology Group study

Cancer. 1975 Apr;35(4):1148-53. doi: 10.1002/1097-0142(197504)35:4<1148::aid-cncr2820350420>3.0.co;2-5.

Abstract

In March of 1972, the Southwest Oncology Group initiated a Phase II study, No. 7200, utilizing methyl-CCNU in the treatment of patients with solid tumors and lymphomas. Initially, they received 200 mg/m2 orally as a single dose every 6 weeks. The dose was subsequently reduced in poor-risk patients to 150 mg/m2. There were 69 responses noted in 675 evaluable patients (10%). The highest response rates were noted in patients with Hodgkin's disease (13/31, 35%), malignant gliomas of the brain (8/29, 28%), anaplastic carcinomas of the lung (5/20, 25%), and squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (5/29, 17%). Squamous cell tumors appeared to be more responsive than adenocarcinomas (15% vs. 5%, respectively). Hematologic toxicity was cumulative, and was influenced by dose and prior treatment. There appeared to be no cross-resistance in patients previously treated with alkylating agents. Methyl-CCNU is an active antineoplastic agent. Further studies are indicated in order to determine relative effectiveness.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / drug therapy
  • Administration, Oral
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Brain Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / drug therapy
  • Cyclohexanes / administration & dosage
  • Cyclohexanes / analogs & derivatives
  • Cyclohexanes / therapeutic use
  • Drug Evaluation
  • Drug Resistance
  • Glioma / drug therapy
  • Head
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Hodgkin Disease / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Lymphoma / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Nitrosourea Compounds / administration & dosage
  • Nitrosourea Compounds / adverse effects
  • Nitrosourea Compounds / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Cyclohexanes
  • Nitrosourea Compounds