Procarbazine hydrochloride in the treatment of brain tumors

Abstract

✓ A series of 43 patients, all of whom were deteriorating due to progression of primary or metastatic brain tumors, were treated daily with n-isopropyl-α-(2-methylhydrazine)-p-toluamide hydrochloride (matulane, Procarbazine hydrochloride: NSC-77213, 150 mg./m2) for 30 consecutive days, with a 30-day rest interval between treatments. Of 29 patients evaluated, 12 showed a definite clinical response to therapy and two a probable response, for a response rate of 48%. Reversible myelosuppression was the major toxic effect encountered. Combination with other chemotherapeutic agents may enhance the drug's effectiveness against brain tumors.