Tissue analysis of N-methylformamide: organ distribution

This report describes a gas chromatographic procedure, utilizing a packed column and flame ionization detector, suitable for the quantitative measurement of N-methylformamide (N-MF) in tissue samples. N-MF is a polar solvent that induces the maturation of cancer cells in vitro and, in vivo, exhibits antitumor activity with human tumors xenografted in nude (athymic) mice. Therapeutic monitoring is essential as toxicology studies have shown this compound to be hepatotoxic. N-MF is currently undergoing phase 1 clinical trials as an anticancer drug. This method of tissue analysis was developed to aid in the understanding of N-MF disposition and distribution in a murine model. The data thus generated may help predict the clinical behavior of this drug.