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A phase II study of neocarzinostatin (NSC 157365) in malignant hepatoma. An Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group pilot
Abstract:
Thirty evaluable patients with histologically confirmed primary liver cancer (PLC) were treated with neocarzinostatin (NCS). All patients had measurable disease and an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 1, 2, or 3. NCS 2250 units/m2 was given daily for 5 days, repeated at 28-day intervals. Hemopoietic suppression was the major side effect. In 23 of 30 patients (13 with leukopenia and 19 with thrombocytopenia), this toxic effect was documented. Other toxic effects included nausea, vomiting, allergic-type reaction, and elevation of NPN. Partial response, with a median duration of 12.7 weeks (range 4--37 weeks) was observed in seven patients. In nine patients the response was classified as no change, and in 14 patients there was progressive disease. NCS has some therapeutic activity in patients with PLC.
Insights
Neocarzinostatin (NCS) shows therapeutic activity in primary liver cancer (PLC) patients. While hemopoietic suppression was a significant side effect, some patients experienced partial responses to NCS treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Primary liver cancer (PLC) presents a significant therapeutic challenge.
- Limited effective treatment options exist for advanced PLC.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the therapeutic activity and toxicity of neocarzinostatin (NCS) in patients with primary liver cancer (PLC).
Main Methods:
- Thirty evaluable patients with histologically confirmed PLC and ECOG performance status 1-3 received NCS 2250 units/m2 daily for 5 days, repeated every 28 days.
- Treatment efficacy and adverse events were closely monitored.
Main Results:
- Partial response was observed in 7 out of 30 patients, with a median duration of 12.7 weeks.
- Nine patients had no change in disease status, while 14 showed progressive disease.
- The primary toxicity was hemopoietic suppression, including leukopenia and thrombocytopenia, affecting 23 patients. Other side effects included nausea, vomiting, and allergic reactions.
Conclusions:
- Neocarzinostatin (NCS) demonstrates some therapeutic activity in patients with primary liver cancer (PLC).
- Hemopoietic suppression is a notable dose-limiting toxicity that requires careful management.
- Further investigation may be warranted to optimize NCS dosing or combination therapies for PLC.