[Clinical studies on SY5555 in pediatric infections].

Pharmacokinetic and clinical studies on SY5555, a new oral penem antibiotics, were performed in pediatric infections and the following results were obtained. 1. Pharmacokinetics studies Pharmacokinetics of SY5555 was studied in 5 children (5y1m-10y11m) using doses of 5 mg/kg (n = 3) and 10 mg/kg (n = 2). The average peak plasma levels were 0.65 microgram/ml at 1 or 2 hours after administration of 5 mg/kg and 2.12 micrograms/ml at 1 or 2 hours after administration of 10 mg/kg, and the plasma half-lives were 0.81 and 1.08 hours, respectively. Average cumulative urinary recovery rates at 0-6 hours were 2.97 and 3.96%, respectively. 2. Clinical studies SY5555 was administered to 45 patients with various infectious diseases (2 with acute pharyngitis, 8 with acute tonsillitis, 4 with lacunar tonsillitis, 3 each with acute bronchitis, pneumonia and pertussis, 7 with scarlet fever, 3 with impetigo contagiosa, 6 with acute urinary tract infections, 2 with balanoposthitis and 1 each with cervical lymphadenitis, S.S.S.S., vulvitis and acute colitis) at daily doses between 3.4-10 mg/kg, t.i.d., for 3-14 days. Clinical responses were excellent in 27 patients, good in 15 patients, fair in 1 patient, and poor in 2 patients, and the efficacy rate was 93.3%. Causative organisms were examined and 39 strains of 11 species were identified. The eradication rate was 78.9%. Side effects were observed in 1 patient with diarrhea. An abnormal laboratory test value was observed in 1 patient with elevation of eosinophils. The above results suggest that SY5555 may be a very useful and safe drug for the treatment of pediatric infection.

[Intra-arterial chemotherapy with cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (CDDP) for primary mediastinal seminoma].

Primary mediastinal malignant germinoma is a rare disease, and only about 15 patients have been reported in Japan. We treated a patient with this disease by intra-arterial CDDP infusion and observed good effects. A 29 year-old male was admitted to our hospital due to SVC syndrome in 1980. A right mediastinal tumor was detected, and the resection of this tumor was performed. Histological examination showed seminoma. Though postoperative Co irradiation was performed, radiation pneumonitis developed in the right lung. Subsequently, the tumor metastasized to the right kidney and spinal cord. After removal of the right kidney followed by Co irradiation, the clinical course was good. In 1987, a mass (10 x 6 cm) was detected in the left mediastinum, suggesting recurrence. Four courses of CDDP infusion into the left bronchial artery and left internal thoracic artery (1 course: 45-70 mg) were performed, and good effects were obtained. No side effects were observed, and the clinical course has been good until now. This case is of interest in evaluating the multidisciplinary treatment for mediastinal seminoma.

[Clinical study of combination chemotherapy with mitomycin C, vindesine and cisplatin (MVP therapy) in advanced non-small cell lung cancer].

Thirty-seven patients with inoperable non-small cell lung cancer were treated with the combination chemotherapy (MVP therapy) with mitomycin C (8 mg/m2), vindesine (3 mg/m2 X 2) and cisplatin (60 mg/m2). The partial responders were 13 cases (35%), and the median survival time was 271 days. In this study the cisplatin dose was less than in any other report of "MVP" therapy. But both the response rate and the median survival time did not differ from those reported elsewhere. The side effects (bone marrow suppression, renal toxicity, etc.) were mild, and did not prevent the continuance of this therapy. Thus, we could repeat more than 6 courses of "MVP" therapy for 8 patients. Nowadays, it is difficult to obtain complete responders with any chemotherapy for inoperable non-small cell lung cancer. To prolong lives of patients and maintain good quality of life, we recommend chemotherapy with low toxicity in often-repeatable courses.