[N-Methyl-9 hydroxy-ellipticine (NSC 264-137) in the treatment of malignant metastases. Preliminary results (author's transl)].

In a phase II trial 2 N-Methyl-9-Hydroxy-Ellipticine (NMHE) was administered in weekly infusions of 100mg/m2 over 1 hour to patients with malignant metastases. Prior to injection, the drug was dissolved in 250 ml isotonic glucose. The results were evaluated in 67 patients. Objective regression was observed in 23 (34%) and was superior to 50% in 10 cases. Patients showing signs of regression under treatment were mostly those with breast cancer (10/24 cases), soft tissue sarcoma (3/9 cases) and renal cancer (2/8 cases). The main toxic effect was haemolysis (2 cases), probably due to an immunoallergic mechanism. Attention is drawn to the lack of bone marrow toxicity.