Phase II study of tiazofurin in gliomas in adults. A National Cancer Institute of Canada study.

The National Cancer Institute of Canada conducted a Phase II study of tiazofurin 1100 to 1375 mg/m2 IV daily x 5 days in adults with grade 2, 3, and 4 gliomas. No responses were seen. Five of sixteen evaluable patients had stable disease for 38 to 147 days (median, 75 days). Treatment was generally well tolerated, and hence the dose was escalated from 1100 mg/m2/day to 1375 mg/m2/day after the first twelve patients were entered. Treatment-induced hypertension requiring pharmacological intervention was seen in four patients. Gastrointestinal toxicity was generally mild. Treatment-related headache was seen in thirteen patients, and drowsiness or weakness was seen in seven patients. In summary, tiazofurin on this dose schedule does not have major activity against grade 2, 3, and 4 gliomas.