Disseminated carcinoma of the ovary treated by L-phenylalanine mustard

Abstract

Forty cases of widely disseminated ovarian cancer were treated with L-phenylalanine mustard administered by mouth. The diagnosis in all cases was established by biopsy. There were 12 objective responses. A case was classified as showing an objective response if one or more of the following phenomena occurred: (1) 50 % or more decrease in the clinical size of the tumor mass; (2) 50% or more decrease in the size of the tumor on roentgenogram and (3) 50% decrease or complete disappearance of pelvic and pleural effusion. The response lasted 3 to 36 months or more. The authors found no evidence to suggest that the drug prolonged life. Complications from the drug were minimal and in most instances the patients were managed as out-patients during a large part of their treatment. The effect of phenylalanine mustard on disseminated ovarian cancer was much the same as that of other alkylating agents.