Twice weekly 5-azacytidine infusion in dissmeinated metastatic cancer: a phase II study

A phase II study of 5-azacytidine given twice weekly as a rapid iv infusion was performed on 116 patients with different metastatic cancers of refractory lymphomas at a dose of 150 mg/m2 twice weekly x 6. Ninety-one patients were evaluable. Dose modifications were carried out depending on previous treatment status. Nausea and vomiting was a major side effect; significant granulocytopenia was observed in 35 patients. Responses were observed in only four patients. Our results indicate little effectiveness of this drug. The severe toxicity prevented escalation to potentially more effective dose levels.