Phase II trial of pyrazoloacridine in advanced non-small cell carcinoma of the lung--a Kansas Cancer Institute and Thompson Cancer Survival Center Study.

BACKGROUND

More active agents are needed in the treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. Pyrazoloacridine (PZA) is a 9-methoxy acridine compound containing a reducible 5-nitro substituent. Although the mechanism of action of PZA is unknown, the acridine compounds are known to cause cytotoxicity by interaction with DNA and RNA.

METHODS

Eighteen patients with metastatic non-small cell lung carcinoma were treated with pyrazoloacridine. Pyrazoloacridine was administered as a three-hour infusion at 750 mg/M2 every 21 days.

RESULTS

There were no objective responses. One patient maintained stable disease for 20 months. Median survival was 4.8 months. The primary toxicity was granulocytopenia with 5 patients experiencing severe infections.

CONCLUSIONS

Pyrazoloacridine has no demonstrable activity in patients with metastatic non-small cell carcinoma of the lung when given at this dose and schedule.