DTIC (NSC-45388) studies in the southwest oncology group

In a phase I study, the best antitumor/toxicity ratio for DTIC was reported to be at a dose of 250 mg/m2/day X 5 repeated at 28-day intervals. Nausea, vomiting, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia were the major toxic effects noted. The best responses were seen in disseminated melanoma (19%), various sarcomas (22%), and Hodgkin's disease. A subsequent phase II study in refractory lymphomas showed a response rate in Hodgkin's disease of 56%. In disseminated melanomas, DTIC was then combined with vincristine and BCNU and demonstrated a response rate of 23% which did not improve with the addition of chlorpromazine (23%). A response rate of 31% was seen with the combination of DTIC, BCNU, and hydroxyurea which did not improve with the addition of vincristine (30%). Responders had a more significant survival rate as compared to nonresponders.