Treatment of Adrenocortical Cancer with O,P′-DDD

Abstract

Five cases of functioning adrenal carcinoma treated with 2,2-bis (4-chlorophenyl, 2-chlorophenyl)-l,l-dichloroethane (o,p''-DDD) are described. This compound was employed to prevent and treat metastasis. Objective tumor regression was observed in 2 patients for 70 and 575 days, respectively. Three of the patients died during therapy, 2 from tumor progression and one probably from drug toxicity. The practical therapeutic usefulness of this agent was not restricted by the multiple side effects, which include gastrointestinal intolerance, mental depression, and somnolence. Resistance to the drug was observed in one of the patients.