N-methylformamide: cytotoxic, radiosensitizer, or chemosensitizer.

N-methylformamide (NMF), a polar solvent, is currently being evaluated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) as an antineoplastic agent because of its activity against colon, mammary, and lung tumor xenografts. Results from preclinical studies suggest that it has radiosensitizing, chemosensitizing, and differentiating activity. Its mechanism of action remains unknown, but may involve cellular depletion of glutathione, cell membrane changes, or modulation of proto-oncogene expression. Preclinical toxicology studies conducted in mice, rats, and beagle dogs showed reversible hepatotoxicity to be dose-limiting. Clinically, NMF is administered both orally and by intravenous (IV) injection. The bioavailability with oral administration is 90% to 95%. The highest reported plasma concentration of NMF is approximately 4 mmol/L in a patient who received a dose of 2,000 mg/m2 of IV NMF. Biphasic elimination with IV NMF is seen on both the daily for five days and weekly for 3 weeks schedule. Approximately 5% to 7% of the total administered IV dose is excreted in the urine. In phase I studies, dose-limiting toxicities included reversible hepatotoxicity, a generalized malaise syndrome, and nausea and vomiting. One partial response has been reported in the 111 patients treated on phase II trials in colorectal, head and neck, and renal carcinomas. Suggestions for the future development of this drug are presented.