A Phase II study of Bruceantin (NSC-165, 563) in advanced malignant melanoma

The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) conducted a Phase II trial of Bruceantin in malignant melanoma. Twenty-two patients, thirteen without prior cytotoxic chemotherapy, were entered. All patients were evaluable for response and toxicity. Dose limiting toxicity was found to be hypotension during Bruceantin infusion. Other prominent side effects were nausea, vomiting, anorexia, fever, chills, and weakness. Only minor hematologic toxicity was encountered. Two partial responses, both in previously treated patients were observed (response rate -9%). Bruceantin has only limited activity against malignant melanoma and is unlikely to contribute to systemic therapy of this disease, either as a single agent or in combinations of cytotoxic drugs.