Mitomycin C: a clinical update

Mitomycin C was reviewed in this journal 25 years ago and an update of its clinical usefulness is appropriate. The current review is based on representative publications covering clinical trials performed throughout the world. Single agent activity in each of the major neoplastic diseases has been reassessed when possible and the most important combinations evaluated. It is concluded that mitomycin C has a definite place in the treatment of localized bladder cancer, is active, but needs to be redefined, in the context of newer regimens for breast, head and neck, and non-small cell lung cancers, is active in, but is being displaced by, other drugs in cervical, gastric and pancreatic cancers, and is probably no longer of therapeutic value in colon cancer. It is also recognized that as many newer treatments have clinical success, the therapeutic role of mitomycin C will require continuing re-investigation.