PHASE-II STUDY OF TIAZOFURIN IN GLIOMAS IN ADULTS - A NATIONAL-CANCER-INSTITUTE-OF-CANADA STUDY

The National Cancer Institute of Canada conducted a Phase II study of tiazofurin 1100 to 1375 mg/m2 IV daily x 5 days in adults with grade 2 ,3, and 4 gliomas. No responses were seen. Five of sixteen evaluable p atients had stable disease for 38 to 147 days (median, 75 days). Treat ment was generally well tolerated, and hence the dose was escalated fr om 1100 mg/m2/day to 1375 mg/m2/day after the first twelve patients we re entered. Treatment induced hypertension requiring pharmacological i ntervention was seen in four patients. Gastrointestinal toxicity was g enerally mild. Treatment-related headache was seen in thirteen patient s, and drowsiness or weakness was seen in seven patients. In summary, tiazofurin on this dose schedule does not have major activity against grade 2, 3, and 4 gliomas.