romurtide and Urogenital-Neoplasms

Muroctasin, a derivative of muramyl dipeptide (MDP), increases WBC count through induction of the colony stimulating factor (CSF). This action of muroctasin is useful to treat cancer patients with leukopenia on chemotherapy. Urogenital cancer patients were randomized to either a 50 micrograms or 100 micrograms dose group of muroctasin when the WBC count dropped below 3,000/cmm in the first cycle of chemotherapy. The patients were then subcutaneously treated with muroctasin once daily for 6 consecutive days, and restoration of their WBC count determined. Out of the 32 patients who were enrolled in the study, 25, 24 and 23 patients were assessed for safety, usefulness and efficacy, respectively. The 100 micrograms dose was more effective in restoring the WBC count than the 50 micrograms dose based on the evaluation by the physicians. This result was also confirmed when we used the criteria for evaluation of adverse reactions as recommended by the Japanese guidelines for evaluation of efficacy of chemotherapy on solid tumors. Mild fever and reaction at the injection site were noted in 16% (4/25). In conclusion, muroctasin is useful for leukopenia after chemotherapy.

Topics: Acetylmuramyl-Alanyl-Isoglutamine; Adjuvants, Immunologic; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Antineoplastic Agents; Drug Evaluation; Female; Humans; Leukocyte Count; Leukopenia; Male; Middle Aged; Multicenter Studies as Topic; Urogenital Neoplasms