Multiple oral doses of alpha-difluoromethyl-ornithine (α-DFMO), 18–24 g/day for up to 2 months, were administered to 2 patients with invasive and metastatic carcinoma of the bladder and to 3 patients with metastatic renal cancer in an open study. The moderate antigrowth effect of α-DFMO in these patients was concluded from the results of serial kidney, liver and bone scintigrams, from the low frequency of a local recurrence of bladder carcinoma and from the survival rate of 4 of 5 patients after 12 months. Increased excretion of hydroxyproline and β2-microglobulin were measured 1 month following α-DFMO treatment suggesting initial tumor necrosis and degradation. Treatment was poorly tolerated with gastrointestinal side effects (e.g. gastritis, vomiting, diarrhea) in all subjects, erythropenia in 2 subjects (associated with thrombocytopenia and leucopenia in 1 subject each), and audiovestibular symptoms in 2 patients. All side effects were reversible and normal function returned 2–4 months after stopping therapy.

Keywords:
Kidney, Bladder carcinomas (T3N1–2M0–1), Irreversible inhibition of ODC, Control of tumor growth, Acute phase reactants, β2-Microglobulin, Hydroxyproline
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© 1981 S. Karger AG, Basel
1981
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