PROCARBAZINE HYDROCHLORIDE IN CHILDHOOD CANCER

The therapeutic and toxic effects of procarbazine hydrochloride (Ro-4-6467, Natulan) were assessed in 38 children with neoplastic disease resistant to conventional forms of chemotherapy. The durg was administered orally in a daily dosage of 125 mg. per square meter, to an average total dosage of 5 Gm. per square meter. Objective improvement was seen in 5 of 7 patients with advanced Hodgkin's disease. Median duration of objective response was 13 weeks. No improvement was observed in 8 patients with acute leukemia, 3 patients with lymphosarcoma, and 17 patients with various solid tumors. Toxic manifestations included nausea, vomiting, and depression of normal hematopoiesis. Procarbazine is an effective agent in the treatment of advanced Hodgkin's disease in childhood. © 1969 The C. V. Mosby Company.