Aclarubicin in advanced thyroid cancer: a phase II study

Twenty-four patients with metastatic thyroid cancer were treated with aclarubicin intravenously at a dose of 25-30 mg/m2 daily for 4 days and treatment was repeated every 3 weeks. None of the patients had previously received chemotherapy. Twenty-three patients received two or more treatment cycles and were evaluated for their response. One complete remission and four partial remissions were noted (objective remission rate 22%). Mean survival time was 57 weeks. Side-effects were evaluated in 24 patients with 18 patients receiving prophylactic antiemetic therapy. Nausea was observed in 18 (75%) and vomiting occurred in three patients (13%). In 15 patients (63%) there was mild myelosuppression. We conclude that aclarubicin alone represents an effective therapy in patients with metastatic thyroid cancer and that side-effects are minor.