PHASE-I TRIAL OF HOMOHARRINGTONINE

  • 1 January 1983
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 67  (9) , 801-804
Abstract
Homoharringtonine is one of a group of cephalotaxine esters [originally isolated from the wood and bark of Cephalotaxus harringtonia] reported by the Chinese to have significant antitumor efficacy, with particularly good activity in human leukemias. Preclinical antitumor activity led to phase I trials which are currently nearing completion in the USA. The phase I study reported here used a single infusion of homoharringtonine over 90 min given every 21 days. [A variety of cancers were treated with this schedule including esophageal carcinoma, prostatic carcinoma, metastatic lung tumor and lymphatic metastases.] Dose-related and life-threatening hypotension, without significant myelosuppression, was the dose-limiting toxic effect. The mechanism of hypotension is not understood, but it is not related to cardiac arrhythmias. Myelosuppression was not seen regularly. This schedule is not recommended for phase II trials.

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