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Phase II trial of suramin in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma
R Dreicer1, D C Smith, R D Williams
1Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Iowa, and The University of Iowa Cancer Center, Iowa City, USA. dreicer@ccf.org
Abstract:
This study was conducted to assess the efficacy and toxicity of suramin administered using a fixed dose schedule in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma. Fourteen eligible patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma were enrolled and treated on a fixed dose schedule of suramin administered over 12 weeks. Suramin was administered by intravenous infusions over 1 hour. None of the 13 evaluable patients demonstrated an objective response. Only 3 patients completed the 12-week therapy course, with the majority developing progressive disease on therapy. The fixed dosage schedule was well tolerated with minimal to moderate toxicity. Suramin in this fixed dose schedule is well tolerated but has no activity in advanced renal cell carcinoma.
Insights
This study found that suramin, administered on a fixed dose schedule, was well-tolerated by patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma but showed no significant anti-cancer activity. Most patients experienced disease progression during the 12-week treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) presents a significant clinical challenge.
- Investigating novel therapeutic agents for advanced RCC is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of suramin in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma.
- To determine if a fixed dose schedule of suramin is a viable treatment option for advanced RCC.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 14 eligible patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma were enrolled.
- Patients received suramin via intravenous infusions over 1 hour on a fixed dose schedule for 12 weeks.
- Efficacy was assessed by objective response, and toxicity was monitored.
Main Results:
- None of the 13 evaluable patients achieved an objective response.
- Only 3 patients completed the 12-week treatment course, with most experiencing progressive disease.
- The fixed dose schedule of suramin exhibited minimal to moderate toxicity and was generally well tolerated.
Conclusions:
- Suramin, when administered on this fixed dose schedule, demonstrates no significant activity in advanced renal cell carcinoma.
- While well-tolerated, suramin is not an effective treatment for this patient population.
- Further research into alternative dosing or combination therapies may be warranted.