The treatment of human cancer with intra-arterial nitrogen mustard (methylbis(2-chloroethyl)amine hydrochloride). Utilizing a simplified catheter technique

Abstract

D tard (methylbis(i!-chloroethy1)anline hydrochloride, HN2) has been intensively studied with the accumulation of a vast amount of data on its many biological effects.4, 21 T h e intravenous route of administration was used exclusively in the clinical studies of this agent until Klopp and his co-workers described the effects of the intra-arterial administration of this drug. They demonstrated in experimental animals that the arterial injection of HN2 produced, within the area supplied by the artery injected, tissue alterations not obtainable with lethal doses of the drug given intravenously. By delivering the HN2 directly into the arterial blood supply of tumors, they produced regres. sion of a variety of hunian neoplasms. Bierman et al., utilizing the arterial route of administration of HN2, have also described measurable effects on malignant tumors of man. They noted greater therapeutic efficacy in mycosis fungoides as well as a less depressing effect on the heniatopoietic system with the arterial than with the intravenous use of this drug.