Treosulfan in the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma

Background: Treosulfan is a bifunctional alkylating cytostatic agent that h as mainly been used in the therapy of advanced ovarian cancer. Lately a gro wth inhibiting effect could be detected in human renal cell carcinoma-cell lines as well. In vitro, Treosulfan showed an even higher growth inhibition than Vinblastine. Materials and methods: We performed a small clinical pha se II study using Treosulfan as a monotherapy in the treatment of metastati c renal cell carcinoma. Treosulfan was given to 15 patients with bidimensio nally measurable metastases. Results: 10 patients were evaluable. Side effe cts were negligeable. A complete or even partial remission was not seen. 4 patients showed no change, whereas 6 were progressive. The aver age time to progress was short (4months, range 1 to 12 months). Conclusions: Since Tre osulfan did not lead to a measurable tumor remission in the given dose regi men it does not seem to be suitable for the therapy of metastatic renal cel l carcinoma.