[A phase II study of SM-5887 for advanced gastric cancer].

A phase II clinical trial of SM-5887, a new totally synthesized anthracycline derivative, was carried out in 13 patients with inoperable or recurrent gastric cancer. No patient had been given anthracycline previously. SM-5887 was administered by I.V. bolus with a dose of 100 mg/m2 every three weeks. Twelve of 13 cases were eligible and evaluable for the response. Of the 12 evaluated cases, 6 showed no change (NC), including one minor response (MR). The remaining 6 cases showed progressive disease (PD). Adverse effects were relatively mild in most cases and included anemia, leukocytopenia, thrombocytopenia, nausea/vomiting, phlebitis, hair loss and fever. Among them, leukocytopenia was observed most frequently.