Lomustine Treatment of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

The efficacy of lomustine (CCNU) therapy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma was studied in 23 patients. Only 20 of these cases could be evaluated, and, of these, four showed an objective remission lasting from three to six months. Hypercalcemia was controlled, pulmonary and soft tissue metastases regressed, and recalcification of lytic osseous metastases was noted. The condition of two other patients has been stable for more than six months. Minimal toxicity, such as transient early nausea and vomiting, was associated with drug administration. Moderate thrombocytopenia and mild leukopenia were seen in one third of all patients. Lomustine merits further clinical use in the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma.