Phase I and Pharmacological Study of Weekly Administration of the Polyamine Synthesis Inhibitor SAM 486A (CGP 48 664) in Patients with Solid Tumors

A single-agent dose-escalating Phase I and pharmacological study of the polyamine synthesis inhibitor SAM 486A was performed. A dosing regimen of four weekly infusions followed by 2 weeks off therapy was studied. Fifty patients were entered into the study. Dose levels studied were 1.25, 2.5, 5, 8, 16, 32, 48, 70, 110, 170, 270, and 325 mg/m 2 /week. Pharmacokinetic sampling was done on day 1, and trough samples were taken weekly during the first treatment cycle. Pharmacodynamic sampling was done on days 1 and 22. At 325 mg/m 2 /week, dose-limiting toxicity was seen (one patient each with grade 4 febrile neutropenia, grade 3 neurotoxicity, and grade 3 hypotension with syncope and T-wave inversions on electrocardiogram). The recommended dose for further testing was set at 270 mg/m 2 /week. Infusion time was increased from 10 to 180 min due to facial paresthesias and flushing and somnolence. Drug exposure increased linearly with dose. Mean ± SD t 1/2 at 70–325 mg/m 2 doses was 61.4 ± 26.2 h, with a large volume of distribution at steady state. In peripheral blood leukocytes, a clear relationship between dose and inhibitory effect on S -adenosylmethionine decarboxylase or changes in intracellular polyamine pools was not recorded. SAM 486A can be administered safely using a dosing regimen of four weekly infusions followed by 2 weeks off therapy. The recommended dose for Phase II studies using this regimen is 270 mg/m 2 /week.