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Phase II study of amonafide (nafidamide, NSC 308847) in advanced colorectal cancer

P J O'Dwyer1, A R Paul, G R Hudes

  • 1Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111.

Investigational New Drugs
|February 1, 1991
PubMed

Insights

Amonafide, an anti-tumor benzisoquinoline-1,3-dione, showed no activity in treating advanced colorectal cancer. The main side effect observed was neutropenia, with no patient responses documented in this clinical trial.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Amonafide is a benzisoquinoline-1,3-dione derivative with demonstrated preclinical anti-tumor properties.
  • Colorectal cancer remains a significant health concern, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Amonafide in patients with advanced colorectal cancer.
  • To determine the maximum tolerated dose and dose-limiting toxicities of Amonafide in this patient population.

Main Methods:

  • A phase I/II clinical trial was conducted involving 14 patients with recurrent or metastatic colorectal cancer.
  • Patients received Amonafide at a dose of 300 mg/m2 intravenously daily for five consecutive days, with courses repeated every three weeks.
  • Eligibility criteria included no prior chemotherapy for advanced disease and adequate organ function.

Main Results:

  • The primary toxicity observed was neutropenia, with Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia occurring in 5 out of 14 patients.
  • Other reported toxicities included nausea, vomiting, fever, rash, and alopecia.
  • No objective responses (complete or partial) were observed; three patients achieved stable disease.

Conclusions:

  • Amonafide, at the tested dose and schedule (300 mg/m2 for five consecutive days every three weeks), demonstrated no significant anti-tumor activity in patients with advanced colorectal cancer.
  • Neutropenia was identified as a major dose-limiting toxicity, suggesting this regimen is not suitable for further investigation in this indication.

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