Hemisulfur Mustard in the Palliation of Patients with Metastatic Ovarian Carcinoma

Abstract

Thirty patients with persistent ovarian carcinomatosis and ascites following surgery and radiation received either intravenously or by direct peritoneal injection hemisulfur mustard, a derivative of mustard gas similar to nitrogen mustard. Twenty-one (70%) were distinctly benefited, with complete suppression of ascites the most frequent favorable objective response (62%). There was decrease in size of palpable masses in eight patients. Improvement in general well-being with return to normal activity was noted in the majority benefited. One patient survived comfortably for 33 months after drug therapy. Toxic side effects were few and can be minimized by the technic employed and described in detail.