[Phase II study of KRN8602 (MX2) for malignant lymphoma]

We performed a clinical phase II study of KRN8602, a new anthracycline derivative, for relapsed or recurrent malignant lymphoma. KRN8602 was given at doses of 12-15 mg/m2 for 3 consecutive days, repeating every 3-4 weeks. Among 44 patients entered into the study, 36 were evaluable for safety, and 35 were evaluable for efficacy. The response rate was 18.2% (6PR/33) for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and 0% (0/2) for Hodgkin's disease. Major toxicities were bone marrow suppression and gastrointestinal toxicity. Leukopenia was observed in 77.8%, thrombocytopenia in 44.4%, hemoglobin decrease in 44.4%, nausea and vomiting in 94.4% and anorexia in 80.6%. However, all toxicities were clinically manageable.