PHASE-II STUDY OF METHYL-GAG IN THE TREATMENT OF ESOPHAGEAL-CARCINOMA

  • 1 January 1982
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 66  (6) , 1427-1429
Abstract
Twenty-four patients with epidermoid carcinoma of the esophagus were treated in a phase II trial with methyl-GAG [methyl-glyoxal bisguanyl hydrazone] using a weekly schedule. Eighteen patients had received prior chemotherapy with cisplatin-containing combinations. Of 23 evaluable patients, 4 (17%) had partial remissions, each lasting 2 mo. All patients had received prior chemotherapy. Toxic effects were manageable and included mild nausea and vomiting, mucositis and fatigue. Using this schedule, methyl-GAG had modest activity in esophageal cancer, with acceptable toxicity. Its role in combination chemotherapy remains to be defined.