Immunologic effects of AS101 in the treatment of cancer patients

AS101 [ammonium trichloro(O,O'-dioxyethylene)tellurate] is a new immunomodulator previously shown to stimulate the production of different cytokines in vitro and in vivo. We report here our results of a phase I clinical trial conducted on 47 cancer patients with advanced malignancies. AS101 was administered intravenously at escalating doses from 1 to 10 mg/m², twice or thrice a week. The maximal tolerated dose has not yet been determined. However, significant immunologic responses were noted at dose levels of 1-3 mg/m² administered three times a week. At these doses statistically significant rises in γ-interferon, natural killer cell activity, tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-2 (IL-2) levels as well as the expression of IL-2 receptors were noted. In most of the immunologic parameters the maximal response was seen at 3 mg/m². Throughout the study toxicity was minimal. In view of these results phase II studies are currently being initiated.