Radioangiocardiogram monitoring in patients receiving bisantrene.

Due to the tricyclic structural similarity between the anthracyclines and a new anthracene bishydrazone derivative, bisantrene, changes in myocardial function as detected by radionuclide angiography were sought in early phase I-II trials of the drug. Overall, there appear to be no changes in ejection fraction when determined 24 hours postinfusion, or when determined after low cumulative doses of bisantrene.

Anaphylactoid reactions associated with bisantrene infusions.

Nine of ninety-three patients receiving Bisantrene on an every three week schedule developed an anaphylactoid reaction with a variety of symptoms. Most reactions occurred in patients who had multiple exposures to Bisantrene. Investigators utilizing Bisantrene in ongoing clinical trials should be aware of this life threatening toxicity.