Misonidazole in the clinic at Mount Vernon

Clinical experience at Mount Vernon from November 1974 has now extended to over 200 patients. Neurotoxicity is the dominant dose-limiting toxic effect and was seen in 28% of those given two or more doses. Randomized clinical trials in carcinoma of bronchus, bladder, and breast have so far shown no advantage to those in patients with carcinoma of the cervix. Although misonidazole may be shown to be of benefit in certain situations, it is unlikely to be a drug of general use in radiotherapy. The promise of an increase in local tumor control in radiotherapy with use of an effective hypoxic cell sensitizer remains. New more effective hypoxic cell sensitizers are needed.