Phase II evaluation of amonafide in advanced sarcoma: a Southwest Oncology Group study
S S Buys1, B Metch, S P Balcerzak
1University of Utah Medical Center, Salt Lake City.
Abstract:
Soft tissue sarcomas are generally resistant to most chemotherapeutic agents, and individuals with advanced disease have a poor prognosis. We evaluated amonafide, a new drug that has significant activity against several tumor cell lines, to determine its activity against sarcomas. Amonafide was administered to 18 patients with advanced soft tissue sarcoma (16 of whom had received prior chemotherapy) at a dose of 300 mg/m2 over 60 min daily for 5 days. Courses were repeated every 21 days. Toxicity was mild, but no responses were observed. We conclude that amonafide is not an active agent in previously treated, advanced soft tissue sarcomas in the dose and schedule utilized.
Insights
Amonafide showed no effectiveness in treating advanced soft tissue sarcomas, even in patients previously treated with chemotherapy. Further research is needed to explore alternative treatments for this challenging cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Soft tissue sarcomas are often resistant to chemotherapy.
- Advanced disease carries a poor prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of amonafide against advanced soft tissue sarcomas.
- To determine amonafide's activity in patients with prior chemotherapy exposure.
Main Methods:
- 18 patients with advanced soft tissue sarcoma received amonafide.
- Dosage: 300 mg/m2 over 60 minutes daily for 5 days.
- Treatment courses repeated every 21 days.
Main Results:
- Toxicity associated with amonafide was mild.
- No tumor responses were observed in any patients.
- Amonafide demonstrated no activity in this patient cohort.
Conclusions:
- Amonafide is not an active agent in previously treated, advanced soft tissue sarcomas.
- The specific dose and schedule utilized were ineffective.
- Alternative therapeutic strategies are warranted for advanced soft tissue sarcomas.
