Clinical studies of beta-thioguanine deoxyriboside alone and in combination with arabinosyl cytosine.

Beta-thioguanine deoxyriboside (betaTGdR) is a purine nucleoside derivative which was studied alone or in combination with arabinosyl cytosine (Ara-C) in patients with solid tumors and acute leukemia. No significant responses were observed in 22 patients with solid tumors. The response rate with betaTGdR alone in acute leukemia was 26% and in combination with Ara-C was 24%. Responses were generally of short duration. Toxicity included myelosuppression, nausea, stomatitis, hyperpigmentation, photosensitivity, and liver function abnormalities.