[Topical application of mitomycin C conjugated with dextran (MMC-D): a high molecular weight derivative of mitomycin C].

Mitomycin C conjugated with dextran (MMC-D), with a molecular weight of about 500,000, was synthesized for intraoperative topical application. MMC-D contained approximately 10% mitomycin C (MMC) and released active MMC by hydrolysis with a half-life of 24 hours in vivo. In experimental studies, MMC-D was retained at the injection site for about 48 hours and transferred to the lymphatic system. Sixteen patients suffering from advanced abdominal cancers were treated with MMC-D (5-10mg eq. MMC) by intraoperative direct injection or percutaneous injection under sonography. Objective tumor responses were observed in 9 of 16 cases. No serious side-effect was observed other than temporary fever, localized pain and mild leukopenia. MMC-D diffused from the center of the tumor releasing active MMC which was transferred to the lymphatic system. Local application of MMC-D was therefore considered to be effective for the treatment of solid tumors.