Summary
Plasma pharmacokinetics of VP16-213 were investigated after a 30–60 min infusion in 14 adult patients and six children. In adults the elimination half-life (T1/2 β), plasma clearance (Clp) and volume of distribution (Vd) were respectively 7.05±0.67 h, 26.8±2.4 ml/min/m2, and 15.7±1.8 l/m2; in children 3.37±0.5 h, 39.34±6.6 ml/min/m2, and 9.97±3.7 l/m2. After repeated daily doses no accumulation of VP16-213 was found in plasma. The unchanged drug found in the 24 h urine after administration amounted to 20–30% of the dose.
In eight choriocarcinoma patients plasma levels of VP16-213 were measured after oral capsules and drinkable ampoules. The bioavailability compared to the i.v. route was variable, mean values being 57% for capsules and 91% for ampoules. In one further patient, with abnormal d-Xylose absorption results, VP16-213 was not detectable in plasma after the oral ampoule dose.
Steady state levels investigated in three patients after 72 h continuous VP16-213 infusion (100 mg/m2/24 h) were around 2–5 μg/ml. Levels of VP16-213 were undetectable in CSF after i.v. or oral administration.
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D'Incalci, M., Farina, P., Sessa, C. et al. Pharmacokinetics of VP16-213 given by different administration methods. Cancer Chemother. Pharmacol. 7, 141–145 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00254536
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00254536