This is a phase I study aimed at identifying safe doses of DMXAA in patients with solid tumors.

This is a dose escalation study conducted at a single center in New Zealand. Patients received dimethylxanthenone acetic acid (DMXAA) IV over 20 minutes once every three weeks, up to a maximum of 12 courses.

Cohorts of 3 patients received escalated doses of DMXAA until the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was determined. The MTD is defined as the dose preceding that at which 2 of 3 patients experience dose limiting toxicity.

Patients had solid tumors for which there was no standard therapy or were refractory to conventional therapy.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Histologically confirmed solid tumor that is not amenable to any standard therapy or is refractory to conventional therapy
2. Performance status WHO 0-2
3. Life expectancy greater than 3 months
4. Hemoglobin at least 90 g/L; WBC at least 3,000/mm3; Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3
5. Bilirubin within normal limits; ALT less than 2 times upper limit of normal (ULN); Alkaline phosphatase less than 2 times ULN
6. Creatinine less than 130 umol/L
7. INR and APTT within normal limits
8. Fertile patients must use effective contraception
9. At least 4 weeks since prior anticancer therapy and recovered from toxic effects

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Concurrent malignancy except cone biopsied carcinoma in situ of the cervix and adequately treated basal or squamous cell carcinoma of the skin
2. Other serious medical condition
3. Uncontrolled infection or serious infection within the past 28 days
4. Pregnant or lactating
5. Treatment with glucocorticosteroids within previous two weeks