TALLIMUSTINE IN ADVANCED PREVIOUSLY UNTREATED COLORECTAL-CANCER, A PHASE-II STUDY

Tallimustine is a novel benzoyl mustard derivative from distamycin A w ith a unique mode of action. It is a DNA minor groove binder and produ ces highly sequence-specific alkylations. Previous studies have shown significant anti-tumour effects in animal models. We performed a phase II study in previously untreated patients with advanced colorectal ca ncer, using a schedule of i.v. bolus infusions of 900 mu g m(-2) once every 4 weeks. Seventeen patients were enrolled, and no responses were documented in 14 evaluable patients. Toxicity mainly consisted of a h ighly selective neutropenia, which warrants further investigation of t his agent in combination with myeloid growth factors.