Experimental and clinical effect of ACNU in Japan with emphasis on small-cell carcinoma of the lung.

The experimental and clinical effects of ACNU so far recorded in Japan are reviewed. ACNU was highly effective in leukemia L-1210 and in other types of leukemias, ascites tumors, and solid tumors of mice and rats. On the basis of the results of phase I study, the maximum clinically tolerable single dose of ACNU was 101.8-135.7 mg/m2 at a time, and the total acceptable dose was 300-600 mg. The desirable interval between doses was 6-8 weeks. Phase II study revealed that ACNU seemed to be effective against small-cell carcinoma of the lung, brain tumors, Hodgkin's disease, and chronic myelocytic leukemia. In the treatment of small-cell carcinoma of the lung ACNU reduced the rate of brain metastasis and prolonged the survival of patients.