A Study of Dideoxycytidine Plus Zidovudine in the Treatment of AIDS or Advanced AIDS Related Complex (ARC)

Summary

To determine the safety, tolerability, and activity of zidovudine (AZT) and zalcitabine (dideoxycytidine; ddC) and the bloodstream levels of these drugs in patients with AIDS or advanced AIDS-related complex (ARC). Treatments using AZT alternating with ddC are being evaluated in ongoing trials with a goal of reducing the toxicity of each while maintaining antiviral effects. In addition, AZT and ddC may work together in a way that both drugs can be taken at lower doses or less frequent intervals when given together. If the doses can be reduced, then toxicity associated with long-term use of one drug may be reduced. Combination of AZT and ddC might reduce the likelihood of the emergence of resistant mutants. Recent studies indicate a reduced sensitivity of HIV isolated from patients after prolonged AZT therapy. Although the clinical significance of this finding is not clear, it would indicate that these combination studies are all the more important. HIV strains with decreased sensitivity to AZT are still sensitive to ddC.

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Publications

• Background Meng TC, Fischl MA, Boota AM, Spector SA, Bennett D, Bassiakos Y, Lai SH, Wright B, Richman DD. Combination therapy with zidovudine and dideoxycytidine in patients with advanced human immunodeficiency virus infection. A phase I/II study. Ann Intern Med. 1992 Jan 1;116(1):13-20. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-116-1-13.
• Background Meng TC, Boota A, Fischl MA, Spector SA, McCaan M, Richman DD. ACTG 106: Phase I/II dose finding study of concurrently administered dideoxycytidine (ddC) and zidovudine (ZDV, AZT). Int Conf AIDS. 1990 Jun 20-23;6(3):192 (abstract no SB426)
• Background Meng TC, Fischl MA, Richman DD. AIDS Clinical Trials Group: phase I/II study of combination 2',3'-dideoxycytidine and zidovudine in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and advanced AIDS-related complex. Am J Med. 1990 May 21;88(5B):27S-30S. doi: 10.1016/0002-9343(90)90419-e.
• Background Gries JM, Troconiz IF, Verotta D, Jacobson M, Sheiner LB. A pooled analysis of CD4 response to zidovudine and zalcitabine treatment in patients with AIDS and AIDS-related complex. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1997 Jan;61(1):70-82. doi: 10.1016/S0009-9236(97)90183-1.

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