Phase II evaluation of didemnin B in advanced adenocarcinoma of the kidney

The Southwest Oncology Group studied the response rate and toxicity of didemnin B (3.47 mg/m2 i.v. q 28 days) in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma. There were no responses in 22 response evaluable patients. Toxicity was significant with 10 patients having grade 3 or 4 toxicity. Toxicity seen included nausea and vomiting, exacerbation of coronary artery disease, hyperglycemia, anorexia, diarrhea and hepatitis. Didemnin B was toxic but inactive in patients with renal cell treated at this dose.