Phase II trail of PCNU in refractory advanced breast cancer

An evaluation of PCNU was carried out in 28 patients with extensively treated refractory breast cancer. The starting dose was 60 mg/m2 in 13 patients and 90 mg/m2 in 15 patients given intravenously every 6 weeks. The major side effect was myelosuppression, manifested mainly as thrombocytopenia. Nonhematologic side effects were minimal, consisting mainly of transient nausea. One mixed response was seen. Four patients had stable disease. PCNU demonstrated limited activity in advanced breast cancer and was not effective in the treatment of central nervous system metastases.