MGBG: teaching an old drug new tricks. NLM AIDSLINE Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1995. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Click here to return to AIDSLINE main menu
DonateNow
Print this Article


MGBG: teaching an old drug new tricks.

Ann Oncol. 1994 Jul;5(6):487-93. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/95001580
Von Hoff DD; Institute for Drug Development, Cancer Therapy and Research; Center, San Antonio, Texas.

Abstract: Methylglyoxalbisguanylhydrazone or MGBG is an agent with a unique mechanism of action (polyamine biosynthesis inhibition). MGBG was discarded in the 1960s because of severe mucositis and other toxicities. New clinical trials in the late 1970s and early 1980s utilized weekly administration and indicated MGBG had significant activity in patients with chemotherapy-refractory Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. In addition, some activity was noted in patients with head and neck, prostate, esophageal, and endometrial cancer. The toxicities on the weekly schedule were minimal and no myelosuppression was noted. Based on MGBG's spectrum of antitumor activity and its activity in severely debilitated patients, we hypothesize that MGBG may have greater antitumor activity in patients who are malnourished (possibly based on polyamine depletion). MGBG is a good candidate for treatment of AIDS-associated NHL because it has proven activity in patients with NHL which is not associated with AIDS, crosses the blood brain barrier, is non-myelosuppressive, and appears to work in patients with inanition (no polyamines available to reverse MGBG's antitumor effects). Clinical trials are ongoing to determine the activity of MGBG in AIDS-associated NHL and other diseases. Based on encouraging initial results, it appears MGBG may become part of our therapeutic armamentarium.
Keywords: Adult Antineoplastic Agents, Combined/THERAPEUTIC USE Biogenic Polyamines/BIOSYNTHESIS Hodgkin's Disease/DRUG THERAPY Human Lymphoma, AIDS-Related/DRUG THERAPY Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin's/DRUG THERAPY Male Middle Age Mitoguazone/ADMINISTRATION & DOSAGE/*THERAPEUTIC USE Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S. JOURNAL ARTICLE REVIEW REVIEW, TUTORIAL
950130
M9510813

Copyright © 1995 - National Library of Medicine. Reproduced under license with the National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD.

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Gill Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Quest Diagnostics, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1995. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1995. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .