Amsacrine evaluation.

Amsacrine, an antineoplastic agent currently undergoing clinical trials in the U.S., has been shown to be active against adult and pediatric leukemias, Hodgkin's disease, and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. Amsacrine is highly bound to plasma proteins and is eliminated primarily via hepatic metabolism. Severe hepatic dysfunction will result in a decreased excretion rate of the drug. The primary side effect is a dose-related suppression of bone marrow function. Other reported toxic effects include mucositis, nausea, vomiting, cardiotoxicity, liver dysfunction, and alopecia. Despite these negative effects, amsacrine appears to have a role in the combination therapy of acute leukemias.