Phase II evaluation of PALA in patients with refractory metastatic sarcomas.

The efficacy of PALA was evaluated in 22 patients with metastatic soft tissue and bone sarcomas. The 20 evaluable patients had received a median of three prior chemotherapeutic regimens, including an adriamycin combination, to which eight had shown response. PALA was administered at 2-week intervals. Sixteen patients received 6 g/m2 over 1 hour intravenously as their initial dose, while six patients received 5 g/m2. The major side effects were skin rash, stomatitis, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Significant myelosuppression was not seen. Two patients had stabilization of disease for periods of 10 and 13 weeks. At the dose and schedule used in this trial, PALA was not effective against advanced adult sarcoma.