N-(phosphonacetyl)-L-aspartate (PALA) in advanced breast cancer: a phase II trial of the EORTC breast cancer cooperative group

Eur J Cancer Clin Oncol. 1982 Jan;18(1):67-70. doi: 10.1016/0277-5379(82)90026-8.

Abstract

Twenty-nine evaluable patients with extensively pretreated breast cancer received PALA, a new pyrimidine antimetabolite. The drug was given by intravenous infusion over 60 min, at a daily dose of 2.5 g/m2 for 2 consecutive days. Courses were repeated at 2-week intervals and doses were escalated to toxicity. Two objective partial remissions were observed, lasting for 3 and 4.5 months respectively. Toxic effects were dose-related and consisted mainly of mucocutaneous manifestations, i.e., skin rashes, stomatitis, diarrhea, conjunctivitis and corneal ulcerations. Evidence of antitumor potential in far-advanced disease and lack of myelosuppression point to the need for additional trials of PALA in a more favorable selection of patients with breast cancer.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / administration & dosage*
  • Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / adverse effects
  • Aspartic Acid / administration & dosage
  • Aspartic Acid / adverse effects
  • Aspartic Acid / analogs & derivatives*
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Digestive System / drug effects
  • Drug Eruptions / etiology
  • Drug Evaluation
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infusions, Parenteral
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Organophosphorus Compounds / administration & dosage*
  • Phosphonoacetic Acid / administration & dosage*
  • Phosphonoacetic Acid / adverse effects
  • Phosphonoacetic Acid / analogs & derivatives

Substances

  • Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic
  • Organophosphorus Compounds
  • Aspartic Acid
  • sparfosic acid
  • Phosphonoacetic Acid