Phase II trial of pyrazoloacridine in advanced non-small cell carcinoma of the lung - A Kansas Cancer Institute and Thompson Cancer Survival Center Study

Background: More active agents are needed in the treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. Pyrazoloacridine (PZA) is a 9-methoxy acridine compound containing a reducible 5-nitro substituent. Although the mechanism of action of PZA is unknown, the acridine compounds are known to cause cytotoxicity by interaction with DNA and RNA. Methods: Eighteen patients with metastatic non-small cell lung carcinoma were treated with pyrazoloacridine. Pyrazoloacridine was administered as a three-hour infusion at 750 mg/M-2 every 21 days. Results: There were no objective responses. One patient maintained stable disease for 20 months. Median survival was 4.8 months. The primary toxicity was granulocytopenia with 5 patients experiencing severe infections. Conclusions: Pyrazoloacridine has no demonstrable activity in patients with metastatic non-small cell carcinoma of the lung when given at this dose and schedule.