Phase II trials of methylglyoxal-bis (guanylhydrazone)

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Abstract
Broad phase II trial of methylglyoxal-bis(guanylhydrazone) (MGBG) is under way at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center [New York, New York, USA]. Studies in renal cell carcinoma, lymphomas and non-small-cell lung cancer are completed; substantial numbers of patients with esophageal and head and neck cancer were treated. Small numbers of patients with other solid tumors were also entered into the study. MGBG has significant antineoplastic activity against lymphomas, with 16/40 heavily pretreated patients (40%) having partial remissions (PR) lasting .apprx. 1-8 mo. MGBG also demonstrated more modest activity in non-small-cell lung cancer, esophageal and head and neck carcinoma; it appears to have little or no therapeutic value in renal cell cancer. Toxicities were manageable, and included mild nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, mucositis and myelosuppression. The dose-limiting toxicity, seen most frequently in those patients with impaired renal function, was lethargy and fatigue. MGBG demonstrated activity in lymphomas, lung, esophageal and head and neck cancer. Further trials of this agent are indicated, both alone and in combination.