[Phase II study of decarbazine (DTIC) in malignant melanoma. DTIC Research Group].

A phase II study of DTIC was carried out with a response rate (CR and PR) of 24.2%. Metastases to liver, lymph nodes and subcutaneous tissues were susceptible to the drug. Most of the adverse reactions observed were upper gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea in 15.4%, vomiting in 5.8% and anorexia in 3.8%. Alterations in white blood cells, red blood cells or platelets exceeding Grade 2 were not observed. As for biochemistry, GOT was increased in 25.0% and GPT in 28.2%. However, these were mild and transient changes, disappearing in 3 to 4 weeks. The results seem to reproduce those of various U.S. group studies.