Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group studies with DTIC (NSC-45388)

Abstract

In four randomized controlled clinical trials with DTIC involving patiens with malignant melanoma, the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group has seen a consistent objective response rate of 16%. A study of combinations of DTIC with two nitrosoureas indicated no additive effect. Survival and response were strongly correlated with sex, ambulatory status, and site of disease involvement. As secondary treatment DTIC was less effective, indicating only a 3% response rate. Survival benefit could be related to response. Among the ten largest contributors of patients, response rates varied from 3% to 40%. Similarly, while the overall response rate was not different for the combinations as compared to DTIC alone, the variation noted from study to study reflects the need for controlled randomized trials of chemotherapy for patients with malignant melanoma.