[Mitotane in the treatment of adrenal carcinoma].

Mitotane has been used for 50 years as the first-line drug in the treatment of disseminated adrenocortical carcinoma. It reduces local recurrence of the disease and development of metastases even after a seemingly total surgical removal of the tumor. The use of mitotane has been hampered by its copious adverse effects. Its use requires knowledge of the properties and biological effects of the product. Determination of plasma levels of mitotane will help in carrying out the treatment. The dosage can be optimized and the drug's adverse effects avoided by monitoring the plasma level.