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Hexamethylmelamine. An evaluation of its role in the therapy of cancer
Author(s) -
Legha Sewa S.,
Slavik Milan,
Carter Stephen K.
Publication year - 1976
Publication title -
cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.052
H-Index - 304
eISSN - 1097-0142
pISSN - 0008-543X
DOI - 10.1002/1097-0142(197607)38:1<27::aid-cncr2820380106>3.0.co;2-n
Subject(s) - medicine , ovarian cancer , cancer , cervical cancer , chemotherapy , cervix , oncology , carcinoma , prostate cancer , prostate , radiation therapy
Hexamethylmelamine (HMM) has been undergoing clinical trials for about a decade under the sponsorship of the National Cancer Institute. It has been tested in Phase II and III cooperative group studies and has a wide spectrum of activity in solid tumors. Its activity is most marked in ovarian cancer, lymphomas, and carcinoma of the cervix; the drug is also active in bronchogenic carcinoma and carcinoma of the breast. Considerable clinical evidence suggests a lack of cross‐resistance between HMM and alkylating agents. The currently popular dose is 300 mg/m 2 /day p.o. for indefinite periods if tolerated. The dose‐limiting toxicity is neurologic, but gastrointestinal side effects and a moderate degree of myelosuppression are also observed. Combination chemotherapy using HMM is underway in ovarian and lung cancer. Further exploration of its activity as a single agent in tumors such as those of the bladder, prostate, and uterus, and in combination chemotherapy in lymphomas, and mammary, cervical, and pulmonary tumors is warranted.