Phase II study of 4'-(9-acridinylamino)methanesulfon-m-anisidide (NSC 249992) in children with acute leukemia and lymphoma.

Phase I clinical studies of 4'-(9-acridinylamino)methanesulfon-m-anisidide (AMSA) using several dose schedules have shown acceptable toxicity and antitumor responses in acute leukemia and several carcinomas. Thirty-eight children with acute leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma were treated with AMSA in a total dose of 140 to 600 mg/sq m given as a daily i.v. infusion in 2 to 5 days. Maximal tolerated dose was 600 mg/sq m given in 5 days. Complete and partial remissions were seen in four of 18 patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia, zero of eight patients with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia, and one of five patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Marrow aplasia and remissions were also seen with lower doses. The major toxic effects were mucositis, fever, and sepsis which were dose related. Mild nausea and vomiting, transient elevation of serum glutamic oxaloacetic-acid-transaminase, and bilirubin were noted. All of these patients had had prior anthracycline therapy. Abnormal echocardiograms were seen in 14 of 23 patients who had echocardiograms done before and after AMSA. Seven developed congestive heart failure in association with sepsis in five and with epicardial disease in one. We conclude that AMSA possesses significant activity in childhood leukemia and lymphoma and that studies of AMSA in combination with other effective agents should be done.