[Preliminary phase II clinical study of 4'-O-tetrahydropyranyl doxorubicin (THP-ADM)]

THP-ADM is a new antitumor antibiotic which belongs to the anthracycline group. This agent was administered to 42 histology proven various malignant disease patients with a schedule of 60-80 mg per body (40-55 mg per m2) iv bolus, every three weeks. THP-ADM administration revealed mild upper GI toxicity (vomiting 19%, stomatitis 21%) and leukopenia (less than 2,000 per mm3) in 80% and thrombocytopenia (less than 60,000 per mm3) in 38% with good rebound. There was no signs or symptoms of cardiac failure including the patient who had received 740 mg per body (500 mg per m2). Definite response (CR, PR) was observed in ovarian carcinoma 4/11, cervix carcinoma 2/7, breast carcinoma 1/6, malignant lymphoma 5/5 and mesothelioma 1/2. Furthermore, some response (MR) was observed in lung metastasis from endometrial carcinoma 2/4, and stomach carcinoma 1/3. The above indicated usefulness of this agent and further study should be continued, especially a controlled study with adriamycin.