Preliminary trial of combination therapy with adriamycin and radiation in sarcomas and other malignant tumors.

Based on reports of synergism between adriamycin and radiation therapy in experimental systems, a trial was initiated testing this combination in 53 adult patients with various advanced malignancies, especially sarcomas. Since studies have suggested as selective sensitization of hypoxic cells when this drug is given prior to radiation, an injection of low-dose adriamycin was given 90 min before radiation. This treatment was repeated every 7 days. The combination was most effective in the 30 patients with soft-tissue sarcomas, with 62% of these patients having partial or complete responses. Responses were less good in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma or with other tumors. The toxicity of the combined treatment was moderate. Further trials of this combination are warranted.