Phase II evaluation of AMSA in patients with metastatic lung cancer

Fifty-four patients with metastatic lung cancer were treated with AMSA. Patients with a performance score of 0-1, no prior chemotherapy, and normal liver function received a dose of 35 mg/m2/day iv for 3 days every 4 weeks; patients with a performance score of 2-3, any prior chemotherapy, or abnormal liver functions received a dose of 30 mg/m2/day on the same schedule. Among 53 evaluable patients, responses were noted in one with adenocarcinoma and in two with squamous cell carcinoma (overall response rate, 6%). We conclude that AMSA has limited activity in lung cancer when used in this schedule except perhaps in previously untreated squamous cell carcinoma. Only a limited number of patients with large cell or small cell carcinoma were treated.