Phase I/pharmacokinetic study of intraperitoneal teniposide (VM 26).

A phase I/pharmacokinetic study of the i.p. administration of teniposide (VM 26) was undertaken. Eighteen patients with various malignancies and refractory malignant ascites consented to enter this trial. The dose escalation was made according to the modified Fibonacci scheme. Twenty-four courses were evaluable for toxicity, response and pharmacokinetics. The maximum tolerated dose was reached at 450 mg/m2 and the limiting toxicity was myelosuppression, principally leukopenia. Abdominal pain occurred in one half of the courses but was not limiting. No partial remission, but two 'no change' were achieved for more than 2 months. A reduction or disappearance of ascites was seen in two patients. Pharmacokinetic studies, carried out in all courses, showed that the total exposure for peritoneal cavity averaged 10-fold greater than that of plasma. Based on the outcome of this phase I study, we could recommend phase II studies at a dose of 390 mg/m2 i.p. repeated every 4 weeks with a 4 h dwell-time.