Phase II studies of methyl glyoxal bis-guanylhydrazone (NSC 32946) in carcinoma of the colon and lung.

We have tested methyl glyoxal bis-guanyl hydrazone (NSC 32946) for antitumor activity in patients with colorectal carcinoma and non-small cell bronchogenic carcinoma. The drug dose was 500 mg/m2 administered by single weekly injection, and with a provision dose escalation. No responses were seen in 38 evaluable patients with colorectal cancer, including 17 who had received no prior chemotherapy. Three responses were seen among 42 patients with bronchogenic carcinoma. These included one each with epidermoid carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and large cell anaplastic carcinoma. None of these responders had received prior chemotherapy. Toxicity of the drug was predominantly gastrointestinal, namely nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, and tended to increase with repeated drug doses. Neurologic symptoms of various sorts were also prominent. We conclude that methyl-G is of marginal benefit in this dose and schedule to patients with bronchogenic carcinoma.