Evaluation of VP-16-213 in malignant lymphoma and melanoma

Phase II studies utilizing VP-16-213 in the treatment of 56 patients with malignant lymphoma and 29 patients with malignant melanoma were carried out by the Southwest Oncology Group. All patients had received extensive prior therapy. The initial dose of VP-16-213 administered was 45 mg/m2 by iv infusion over 30-60 minutes on Days 1-5 every 3 weeks but, because, of severe myelosuppression in the lymphoma group, the dose was subsequently reduced to 35 mg/m2. Only three partial regressions lasting 6, 2, and 1 months were noted in 17 patients with Hodgkin's disease. No favorable responses were noted in 35 patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma including 16 with the diffuse histiocytic type. No responses were noted in patients with melanoma. The major toxic effect was myelosuppression. VP-16-213 appears to lack significant effectiveness in these previously treated disease.