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Suramin in non-small cell lung cancer and advanced breast cancer. Two parallel phase II studies
M R Mirza1, E Jakobsen, P Pfeiffer
1Department of Oncology, Odense University Hospital, Denmark.
Abstract:
Suramin inhibits the growth of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and breast cancer in vitro by blocking the action of most known growth factors. The clinical efficacy of suramin was evaluated in patients with unresectable or relapsed NSCLC (n = 16) and advanced breast cancer (ABC) resistant to conventional therapies (n = 12). A plasma level > or = 200 micrograms/ml was maintained by three times weekly administrations using adaptive control with feedback. Treatment was continued until documented progression of disease or unacceptable toxicity. No clinical responses were observed in any patient. Median overall survival was 4.5 months in NSCLC and 9 months in ABC patients. Mean treatment duration was 6.6 weeks in NSCLC patients and 15.9 weeks in ABC patients. Treatment was discontinued due to disease progression in 14 patients, unacceptable adverse effects in 11 patients, while three patients refused to continue therapy. We cannot recommend this drug for further clinical trials in NSCLC and ABC.
Insights
Suramin did not show clinical responses in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) or advanced breast cancer (ABC) patients. Further clinical trials of suramin for these cancers are not recommended due to lack of efficacy and toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Suramin is known to inhibit growth factor signaling pathways.
- In vitro studies suggest suramin has potential against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and breast cancer (BC).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of suramin in patients with unresectable or relapsed NSCLC and advanced breast cancer (ABC) resistant to conventional therapies.
Main Methods:
- A phase II clinical trial was conducted involving 16 NSCLC patients and 12 ABC patients.
- Suramin was administered three times weekly, with adaptive control to maintain plasma levels ≥ 200 µg/ml.
- Treatment continued until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Main Results:
- No objective clinical responses were observed in any patient.
- Median overall survival was 4.5 months for NSCLC and 9 months for ABC.
- Treatment discontinuation occurred due to disease progression (14 NSCLC, 12 ABC) or adverse effects (11 patients).
Conclusions:
- Suramin demonstrated no clinical efficacy in patients with advanced NSCLC or ABC.
- The drug exhibited unacceptable toxicity, precluding its recommendation for further clinical trials in these cancer types.
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