Phase II study of maytansine in patients with advanced lymphomas: an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group pilot study

During phase I trials with maytansine some activity against lymphoma and lymphocytic leukemia was noted. Therefore, a phase II trial of maytansine in patients with advanced lymphomas refractory to conventional chemotherapy was begun. There were three partial responders (10%) among 31 patients entered in the trial. Toxicity was acceptable; gastrointestinal and neurologic side effects were the most common. Little myelotoxicity and no hepatotoxicity were observed. We conclude that maytansine has very limited activity in heavily pretreated patients with Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.