Initial experience with AMSA as single agent treatment against malignant lymphoproliferative disorders

Thirty previously treated adults with lymphoma received AMSA as single agent therapy. All patients had previously received adriamycin-containing chemotherapy regimens and either failed to respond initially or responded but subsequently relapsed. The dose used was 40 mg/sq m.i.v. daily x3. For patients with compromised marrow reserve or elevated bilirubin, a 25% reduction was used. Ten of 30 patients achieved an objective response (3 CR, 3 PR, and 4 less than PR). Of the 3 patients achieving a complete remission, 2 with histiocytic lymphoma remain in remission and are currently off treatment at 14+ and 18+ mo. The response rate to AMSA was found to correlate with the type of response to frontline therapy and also with the number of previous relapses. Complete remissions on AMSA were only seen in patients who had achieved a CR on frontline treatment and who were treated on their first relapse. AMSA is an active drug against malignant lymphoma and deserves further investigation.