Phase II study of continuous-infusion diaziquone in relapsed/refractory acute nonlymphocytic leukemia

A total of 74 patients with relapsed/refractory acute nonlymphocytic leukemia were entered in a phase II trial of diaziquone (AZQ) administered by continuous infusion at a dose of 28 mg/m2 a day for 5 days. Complete remission (CR) was achieved in 12 of the 67 evaluable patients (18%), all occurring in relapsed patients (12 of 55, 22%). There were eight partial responders (one of whom was in the refractory group). Three of these had normal M-1 bone marrow but did not meet peripheral blood criteria for CR. The median duration of CR was 13.6 weeks (range, 4-40+). Nonhematologic toxicity was mild to moderate and easily manageable. Hematologic toxicity was severe or life threatening in all patients. This study confirms the activity of AZQ when given as a continuous infusion to patients with relapsed acute nonlymphocytic leukemia.