[Continuous subcutaneous infusion of peplomycin in oral squamous carcinoma]

To determine the effect of continuous subcutaneous infusion of peplomycin on both antitumor activity and pulmonary toxicity, thirty-two patients with previously untreated oral squamous carcinoma were given peplomycin via osmotic microinfusion pump (SP-5, Nipro Co., Ltd.) at a daily dose of 5.0 mg subcutaneously. The mean dosage of peplomycin given was 79.8 mg. An overall response rate of 62.5% was achieved, with 21.9% complete response, and 40.6% partial response. The maximum reduction of tumor volume for responder could be generally observed when peplomycin was given at about 60 mg continuously. The most frequently encountered toxicity was a mucocutaneous reaction, manifested by stomatitis (34.4%) and skin eruption (18.8%), but they were mild and tolerable. A local skin reaction also occurred at the site of drug injection, and an ulcer formation developed in 12.5% of patients. Monitoring of pulmonary function by means of PaO2 revealed that 32.0% of patients had a decrease over 10% after peplomycin administration. However, interstitial pneumonitis eventually occurred in only one patient (3.1%). In conclusion, the regimen of continuous infusion of peplomycin is a useful method to administer peplomycin safely without reducing the antitumor effect compared to conventional intermittent injection.