Phase II evaluation of maytansine in patients with metastatic lung cancer
Eagan, R.T.; Creagan, E.T.; Ingle, J.N.; Frytak, S.; Rubin, J.
Cancer Treatment Reports 62(10): 1577-1579
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0361-5960 PMID: 709559 Document Number: 132069
Of 47 patients with lung cancer treated with maytansine (MAYT, from Maytenus ovatus), 21 progressed after the 1st course of chemotherapy. Only 26 received a 2nd course of treatment, 7 a 3rd course, and only 1 a 4th course. Consequently, little can be said about the chronic toxicity. The severe constipation and unrelenting peripheral neurotoxicity seen in a minority of patients was the most troubling. MAYT is an agent with some, but very limited, activity in lung cancer. Until the pharmacokinetics of the drug are better understood, further MAYT treatment of lung cancer employing the schedule described in this study is not warranted.