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Terephthalamidine: past and future.
J S Fisherman1, E M Cline, J Plowman
1Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda MD.
Investigational New Drugs
|November 1, 1991
Summary
Terephthalamidine, a compound from the 1960s, shows new promise for cancer treatment due to its unique structure and preclinical activity. Further studies will explore its clinical use and optimize dosing strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Drug Repurposing
Background:
- Terephthalamidine (NSC 57155) is a terephthalanilide derivative synthesized in the 1950s-1960s.
- Initial clinical trials were halted due to severe neurotoxicity, despite observed responses in murine leukemias.
- Recent preclinical screening identified renewed interest in terephthalamidine for antitumor activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To re-evaluate terephthalamidine for potential clinical investigation.
- To investigate the drug's novel structure and preclinical activity spectrum.
- To enable further clinical study through the development of a plasma assay.
Main Methods:
- Preclinical synthesis and screening of terephthalanilides.
- Historical clinical trial data review.
- Development of a plasma assay for pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analysis.
Main Results:
- Terephthalamidine demonstrated preclinical antitumor activity.
- Historical clinical trials showed some patient responses.
- Severe neurotoxicity was a limiting factor in early trials.
Conclusions:
- Terephthalamidine is being reconsidered for clinical investigation due to its unique properties.
- The availability of a plasma assay facilitates further pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies.
- Optimized scheduling strategies may mitigate toxicity and improve therapeutic outcomes.