Faculty Bibliography

We have conducted a phase II trial of cisdiammino-dichloro platinum (CDDP) which demonstrates its remarkable activity in testis embryonic carcinoma, in ovary carcinoma and in epidermoid cancers, especially head and neck and uterus cervix carcinoma. Its toxicity in mainly digestive and renal. This compound is now indicated in combinations in the case of the above mentioned tumors.

Thirty-six patients with stage III and IV Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, who had become refractory to conventional chemotherapy, were treated with VM-26. Complete remissions were documented in two patients with diffuse histiocytic lymphoma. Six patients (four with non-Hodgkin's lymphomas and two with Hodgkin's disease) had partial remissions. The overall response rate was 22% (eight of 36 patients). Hematologic toxicity was the most frequent dose-limiting toxicity. Nonhematologic toxic effects were mild and acceptable. This study demonstrates that VM-26 can produce tumor responses in refractory lymphomas. The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group is currently planning two new phase II studies to incorporate VM-26 with other active new agents, one involving hexamethylmelamine and the other involving cis-dichlorodiammineplatinum(II).

International collaborative activities of the Division of Cancer Treatment, National Cancer Institute, U.S.A., have a long-standing history, and in recent years have expanded to such an extent that an Office of International Treatment Research has been created. The scope of these activities encompasses three areas: 1) participation in International Collaborative Agreements with official national research entities, 2)direct NCI-supported projects, and 3) miscellaneous, less formalized programs. These are described and specific recent contributions are summarized. Emphasis is placed on the importance of international collaboration and exchange of information in searching for new drugs and in maximizing progress in cancer treatment.

4'-(9-Acridinylamino)methanesulfon-m-anisidide (m-AMSA) and N-(phosphonacetyl)-L-aspartate (PALA) are two new anticancer agents that have been recently introduced into clinical investigation. This review summarizes the preclinical information that has accumulated with these compounds as well as the very preliminary data presently available from early clinical trials. This information indicates the promising potential of m-AMSA and PALA in the treatment of cancer.