Phase I trial of menogaril administered as an intermittent daily infusion for 5 days

Menogaril, a semisynthetic derivative of nogalomycin, was brought to phase I clinical testing in patients with refractory solid tumors. Twenty-seven patients received 50 evaluable courses. Menogaril was given as a 1-2-hour iv infusion on 5 consecutive days, with courses repeated every 4 weeks, provided there was reversal of all drug-related toxic effects. The starting dose was 3.5 mg/m²/day x 5, with escalations in subsequent cohorts of patients to 56 mg/m²/day x 5. Neutropenia was dose dependent and dose limiting. At 56 mg/m²/day x 5, the median wbc count nadir was 1100/μl, and two of four patients were hospitalized for fever and suspected bacteremia. At 50 mg/m²/day x 5, the wbc count nadir was 2300/μl. Platelet toxicity was less severe. Nonhematologic toxicity consisted primarily of local urticaria and moderate to severe phlebitis at the infusion site, which were dose dependent and lasted up to 6 weeks. For phase II studies, the recommended dose of menogaril is 50 mg/m²/day for 5 consecutive days administered as a 2-hour intermittent infusion, repeated every 28 days.