Aziridinylbenzoquinone (AZQ) in the treatment of recurrent pediatric brain and other malignant solid tumors

Summary

To assess the response rates and toxicity of AZQ in children with recurrent brain and other malignant solid tumors, a phase II study was implemented by the Pediatric Oncology Group. Eligible patients received AZQ 18 mg/M²/week i.v. for 4 doses followed by a 2 week rest period. Each dose was given over four hours (1/3 over the initial 20 minutes). After the first year, the dosage was reduced to 13 mg/M² due to myelotoxicity resulting in treatment delays. No objective responses were observed in 73 evaluable children with various noncentral nervous system tumors. Of the 91 patients with brain tumors, there were 4 CR's and 2 PR's in patients with astrocytoma, ependymoma, glioblastoma multiforme, oligodendroglioma, brain stem glioma and intracranial yolk sac tumor (median duration, 10 months; range, 2–20+ months). Three of 4 CR's were achieved with a dosage of 18 mg/M²/week. An additional 13 children with brain tumors experienced stable or improved disease (duration, 2–36 + months; median 7.5 months). The principal toxicity was myelosuppression which was cumulative but there were also 3 allergic reactions to AZQ. We conclude that for selected brain tumors, the rates of objective response and stable disease plus the duration of responses support further assessment of AZQ in combination with other agents. Furthermore, the 18 mg/M² dosage may provide better responses.