Continuous-infusion diaziquone in acute myeloid leukemia: a Southeastern Cancer Study Group trial

Diaziquone (AZQ) is a synthetic quinone with considerable activity against L1210 leukemia and potent myelosuppressive activity in man. To test the efficacy and toxicity of AZQ administered by continuous infusion, a phase II multi-institutional trial was undertaken by the Southeastern Cancer Study Group. Eligible adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) received AZQ at a dose of 28 mg/m2 daily by continuous infusion for 5 days. Patients failing to achieve complete remission received a second course utilizing the same dose and schedule. Of 25 evaluable patients with relapsed or refractory AML, three achieved complete response (12%) and two achieved partial response (8%). All patients experienced marked myelosuppression. Severe or life-threatening infection was observed in 15 (56%) patients. Clinical or postmortem evidence of central nervous system hemorrhage was encountered in three (12%) patients with severe refractory thrombocytopenia. Minimal nonhematologic toxicity was observed, suggesting that further studies of this agent in combination regimens and possibly for marrow transplantation preparation in patients with acute leukemia are warranted.