A PILOT-STUDY ON A MURAMYLTRIPEPTIDE LIPOPHILIC DERIVATIVE ENTRAPPED INTO LIPOSOMES (CGP-19835A LIPID) IN PATIENTS WITH ADVANCED NON-SMALL-CELL LUNG-CANCER

The efficacy, tolerability and immunomodulatory effects of CGP 19835A Lipid, a liposomal preparation containing a lipophilic derivative of m uramyltripeptide, a drug experimentally known as a potent activator of the macrophage-monocyte system, were evaluated in patients with advan ced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The immunomodulator was admini stered intravenously weekly to 12 patients in 3 different dosages: 4 m g (n = 4), 2 mg (n = 5), and 1 mg (n = 3). Adverse events suggesting m acrophage activation were observed in almost all patients, despite the dosage used, and included fever, chills, asthenia, anorexia and weigh t loss. Serum levels of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), inte rleukin-6 (IL-6), neopterin, C-reactive protein and soluble IL-2 recep tors were increased in accordance with clinical side effects. No objec tive antitumoral effect was observed in patients with bulky NSCLC. Whe n given to these patients, CGP 19835A Lipid appeared to be effective i n increasing serum TNF-alpha levels. This property could be investigat ed in order to potentiate anticancer chemotherapy.