Clinical trials with N‐isopropyl‐α‐(2‐methylhydrazino)‐p‐toluamide hydrochloride in malignant lymphoma and other disseminated neoplasia

Abstract

The antitumor agent, N‐isopropyl‐α‐(2‐methylhydrazino)‐p‐toluamide hydrochloride (Procarbazine) was administered to 66 patients with disseminated neoplastic disease, 48 of whom could be evaluated. Eight of 11 patients with Hodgkin's disease had partial or complete tumor regression for a median of 4 months. Since most of them were considered refractory to x‐irradiation, alkylating agents and periwinkle alkaloids, the agent is not cross‐resistant with conventional treatment and may be used effectively in sequence in the treatment of patients with Hodgkin's disease. For patients having lymphoma or “solid tumor” there was a positive correlation between response and symptomatic and performance status. Response occurred more frequently in patients with a better performance status and few symptoms. Bone marrow depression and neurotoxicity were the major toxic and dose‐limiting effects. The myelosuppression involved all three formed elements produced by the marrow and was dose related. Neurotoxicity consisted of nausea and vomiting (38%), sensorium changes (12%), hypotension (12%) and peripheral neuritis (20%). The authors establish the efficacy of the drug in Hodgkin's disease and indicate the need for more extensive exploration of epithelial neoplasms. Copyright © 1967 American Cancer Society