The use of L-dopa and carbidopa in metastatic malignant melanoma

Howard Gurney*, Alan Coates, Richard Kefford

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

23 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A combination of L-dopa and carbidopa was given orally to 17 patients with metastatic melanoma. Maximum tolerated oral doses were given, up to 4 grams daily. No response was seen in 15 patients evaluable for response. Toxicity was considerable, with seven of 17 patients (41%) stopping treatment because of unacceptable gastrointestinal toxicity or postural hypotension. Contrary to previous anecdotal reports, there was no evidence that L-dopa/carbidopa treatment resulted in accelerated progression of metastatic melanoma. Orally administered L-dopa/carbidopa is ineffective as therapy for advanced melanoma when maximum tolerated doses are used.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)85-87
Number of pages3
JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology
Volume96
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 1991
Externally publishedYes

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