Phase I trial of 4'-deoxydoxorubicin given weekly

Twenty-six patients with various solid tumors entered a Phase I trial with 4'-Deoxydoxorubicin (Esorubicin, IMI-58), a new doxorubicin analogue. The drug was administered weekly i.v. for 3-4 weeks. Leukopenia proved to be dose limiting. The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was reached at 20 mg/m2 weekly for 3 weeks. For Phase II trials, a weekly dose of 15 and 17.5 mg/m2 can be proposed for poor and good risk patients respectively. Non-hematologic toxicity was minimal. Phase II trials with this new anthracycline are warranted.