Phase I Clinical Investigation of 1,4-Dihydroxy-5,8-bis{{ {2-[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]ethyl} amino}} -9,10-anthracenedione Dihydrochloride (NSC 301739), a New Anthracenedione

1,4-Dihydroxy-5,8-bis {{ {2-[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]ethyl}-amino}}-9,10-anthracenedione dihydrochloride is a new anthracenedione derivative that was evaluated in a Phase I clinical trial. The schedule of administration consisted of a single i.v. injection, repeated at 4-week intervals. Twenty-five patients received a total of 41 courses of the drug in a dose range of 1.2 to 14 mg/sq m. Leukopenia and thrombocytopenia were dose limiting but were of short duration and rapidly reversible. Mild degrees of phlebitis were observed in 10% of courses, and a green discoloration of the urine was noted with doses of >10 mg/sq m. One patient with adenocarcinoma of the lung experienced a partial response of his tumor secondary to the drug. Phase II studies of 1,4-dihydroxy-5,8-bis{{ {2-[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]ethyl} amino}} -9,10-anthracenedione dihydrochloride are planned at a starting dose of 12 mg/sq m as a single dose repeated at 21- to 28-day intervals.