Phase II evaluation of adriamycin in human neoplasia

Abstract

Four hundred and seventy‐two patients with disseminated neoplasia were treated with two or more doses of adriamycin. The initial dose for “good risk” patients was 75 mg/m2 every 3 weeks, and for “poor risk” patients was 60 mg/m2 every 3 weeks. Objective remissions were seen in 118/472 patients, with best results noted in lymphomas (21/48), sarcomas (21/64), and carcinoma of the breast (16/50). Eighty‐nine per cent of remissions occurred within three courses. Hematopoietic toxic effects were seen in 73% of patients; nausea, vomiting, and/or stomatitis were observed in 43%. Changes in electrocardiograms were seen in 42/472 patients after cumulative doses of adriamycin ranging from 45 mg/m2 to 600+mg/m2. Irreversible congestive heart failure occurred in two patients after cumulative doses of 555 mg/m2 and 825 mg/m2, respectively. It is concluded that adriamycin is an active agent, most remissions occur promptly, and significant cardiotoxic reactions appear to be cumulative. Copyright © 1973 American Cancer Society