A phase i study of emetine hydrochloride (nsc 33669) in solid tumors

Abstract

A Phase I clinical trial of emetine hydrochloride (NSC‐33669) in adults with solid tumors was conducted using two time schedules: a. a single subcutaneous dose daily for 10 days, and b. a single subcutaneous injection every 4 days (q4d) for 10 doses. Thirty‐two patients were treated on the daily schedule with doses ranging from 1.0–2.0 mg/kg/day, and nine patients were treated in the q4d schedule with doses ranging from 1.2–2.2 mg/kg/dose. Toxicity was similar in both groups and consisted of pain at the injection site, muscle weakness and myalgia, elevations in creatine phosphokinase, and electrocardiographic abnormalities. Muscle weakness was the dose‐limiting toxicity. The maximum tolerable total dose was 10 mg/kg. No response was noted in 16 patients evaluated. Copyright © 1973 American Cancer Society