Phase II trial of aminocamptothecin (9-AC/DMA) in patients with advanced squamous cell head and neck cancer

Fourteen patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck received 9-AC/DMA infusions of 850 mg/M-2/day over 72 hours. Eligibility criteria included good performance status, advanced disease incurable by conventional means, no prior treatment of metastatic disease, and measurable lesions for objective response assessment. The infusions were repeated at 21 day intervals until progression or prohibitive toxicity occurred. A median of 3 cycles (range 1-7) was given. No objective responses were observed. Median survival of the group was 6 months. Toxicity was hematologic which was modest and promptly reversible. 9-AC/DMA is inactive against this tumor type at the dose and schedule employed in this study.