Mitozantrone as single agent therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma. A phase II study

Thirty-five patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have been treated with the Anthracenedione derivative, Mitozantrone. One complete and 5 partial responses were seen in 22 evaluable patients and in a further 4 patients tumour size remained static for lengths of time ranging from 13 to 42 weeks. Therapy was well tolerated. Bone marrow suppression was dose-limiting but easily managed by dose reduction. Other acute toxicity was rare, vomiting and hair loss being reported only once each. Cardiac 'events' occurred in 5 patients, 3 of whom had received high total cumulative doses of Mitozantrone. We conclude that Mitozantrone is of clinical benefit in HCC and that its usage is compatible with a good quality of survival. Its cardiotoxic potential requires further evaluation.