Phase II trial of ICRF-187 in patients with acquired immune deficiency related Kaposi's sarcoma (AIDS-KS)

Thirteen patients with AIDS related Kaposi's Sarcoma were entered on a phase II trial of ICRF-187, 1000 mg/m2 IV daily for 3 days every 3 weeks. Eight patients had received prior chemotherapy for AIDS-KS. Six patients had prior opportunistic infection. There were no complete responses; one partial response lasting six months was seen. Toxicity was significant, and of the first 5 patients treated, 3 out of 5 had grade III or IV neutropenia. Because of this, subsequent patients received 800 mg/m2 IV days 1-3 if previously untreated or 600 mg/m2 if previously treated. Overall 4 of 13 patients had Grade IV neutropenia and 5 of 13 had Grade III neutropenia. One patient had Grade IV thrombocytopenia. ICRF-187 at a daily x 3 schedule has some efficacy in the treatment of AIDS related KS, future trials should evaluate lower doses or alternate schedules of administration.