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Phase II study of amonafide in patients with recurrent glioma

R Levitt1, J C Buckner, T L Cascino

  • 1St. Luke's Hospitals CCOP, Fargo, ND 58123, USA.

Insights

A novel anticancer drug, amonafide, showed minimal effectiveness in treating recurrent glioma patients in a phase II clinical trial. The drug demonstrated limited tumor regression and significant toxicities, suggesting further investigation is not recommended for this patient group.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Neuro-oncology
  • Clinical Pharmacology

Background:

  • Amonafide, an imide derivative, exhibits preclinical antitumor activity.
  • It achieves notable cerebrospinal fluid penetration in animal models.
  • Recurrent diffuse infiltrative glioma presents a therapeutic challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the antitumor activity of amonafide in patients with recurrent diffuse infiltrative glioma.
  • To assess the safety and tolerability of amonafide in this patient population.

Main Methods:

  • A phase II clinical trial was conducted.
  • Twenty-two eligible and evaluable patients with recurrent glioma received amonafide treatment.
  • Tumor response and toxicities were monitored.

Main Results:

  • Two out of 22 patients (9%) experienced tumor regression lasting over a year.
  • One patient achieved stable disease for more than six months.
  • Common toxicities included myelosuppression, vomiting, and infusion site venous irritation.

Conclusions:

  • Amonafide demonstrated minimal clinical activity in patients with recurrent glioma.
  • The observed toxicities were primarily hematological and gastrointestinal.
  • Further investigation of amonafide in this specific patient population is not warranted based on these findings.

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