A phase I study of a hypoxic cell sensitizer KU-2285 in combination with conventional radiotherapy

A fluorinated 2-nitroimidazole radiosensitizer KU-2285 was given orally to 14 patients. The daily dose ranged from 0.5 to 2.0 g and the total dose given ranged from 0.8 to 28 g/m2. Possible toxicities observed were vomiting in two patients, muscle cramping in one and multiple joint pain in one. All these complications were mild and transient and no other toxicity was observed. The peak serum concentration of KU-2285 was 25-30 micrograms/ml at the dose of 1 g/m2. The cumulative toxicity of KU-2285 appears to be relatively low and further clinical trials seem to be warranted.