TREATMENT OF METASTASIZED MIDGUT CARCINOIDS WITH DACARBAZINE

Seven patients with metastasized midgut carcinoids were treated with i ntravenous infusion of dacarbazine [dimethyltriazenoimidazole carboxam ide (DTIC)] (650 mg/m(2)) every 4 wk, After 2 wk, white blood cell cou nts decreased transiently in three patients, No other DTIC-associated side effects occurred, Biochemical markers of disease activity decreas ed significantly in four patients for 4-20 months (mean duration, 12 m onths), Size of hepatic metastases was reduced or remained unchanged i n six patients for 6-20 months (mean duration, 10 months), Clinical sy mptoms such as cutaneous flush, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation , night sweat, or weight loss improved in six of seven patients, We co nclude that DTIC represents a useful therapeutic option in the treatme nt of advanced and metastasized carcinoid tumors.