Phase I trial of Marimastat, a novel matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor, administered orally to patients with advanced lung cancer.

Abstract

Marimastat was well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with high levels of the study drug detected in plasma within hours after drug administration. Plasma concentrations of Marimastat achieved at dose levels 2 and 3 (50 mg and 100 mg orally twice daily) were substantially higher than those required for MMP inhibition in vitro. The dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was severe inflammatory polyarthritis, which seemed to be a cumulative toxicity.