Phase II trial of amsacrine (m-AMSA) in advanced ovarian carcinoma

A phase II study of 4'-(9-acridinylamino)methanesulfon-m-anisidide (amsacrine, m-AMSA) was carried out in previously treated patients with advanced ovarian carcinoma. The dose of amsacrine was 90 mg/m2 every 3 weeks in 34 patients having received prior extensive chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, and 120 mg/m2 in 5 patients who had previously only received moderate amounts of chemotherapy. Among patients evaluable for response the median number of courses was 3 (range 2-17). Two patients (5%) experienced complete response for 15+ months. Leucopenia was the most frequent toxic effect. WBC nadir was 2700/mm3 (range 1000-7300). Other toxic effects were of lesser significance and included thrombocytopenia, anemia, nausea and vomiting. It is concluded that amsacrine has only marginal activity in patients with previously treated ovarian carcinoma.