The treatment of adrenocortical carcinoma with o,p'-DDD: prognostic implications of serum level monitoring

Eur J Cancer Clin Oncol. 1984 Jan;20(1):47-53. doi: 10.1016/0277-5379(84)90033-6.

Abstract

Thirty-four patients with adrenocortical carcinoma were treated with o,p'-DDD. Twenty-eight patients presented with metastases at entry, and spillage of tumour cells occurred at surgery in 6 other patients. Eight patients had objective tumour regression, of whom 7 had serum levels over 14 micrograms/ml. The 3 patients with a lasting remission had levels of greater than 15, greater than 25, greater than 25 micrograms/ml respectively during prolonged periods. Increased survival times were found in the group of 14 patients with o,p'-DDD serum levels higher than 14 micrograms/ml when compared with patients not treated after discovery of metastases. In the patients with levels less than or equal to 10 micrograms/ml no therapeutic effect was seen. Levels of over 20 micrograms/ml are associated with symptoms of reversible neuromuscular toxicity. Monitoring of serum levels during treatment is mandatory. It is suggested that serum levels of about 25 micrograms/ml during longer periods may be curative.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms / blood
  • Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms / mortality
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mitotane / adverse effects
  • Mitotane / blood
  • Mitotane / therapeutic use*
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Prognosis

Substances

  • Mitotane