Objectives Dichloroacetate (DCA) is a highly bioavailable small molecule that inhibits pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase, promoting glucose oxidation and reversing the glycolytic phenotype in preclinical cancer studies. We designed this open label phase II trial to determine the response rate, safety, and tolerability of oral DCA in patients with metastatic breast cancer and advanced stage NSCLC. Materials and Methods This trial was conducted with DCA 6.25 mg/kg orally twice daily in previously treated stage IIIB/IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) or stage IV breast cancer. Growth inhibition by DCA was also evaluated in a panel of 54 NSCLC cell lines with and without cytotoxic chemotherapeutics (cisplatin and docetaxel) in normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Results and Conclusions Under normoxic conditions in vitro, single agent IC50 was > 2 mM for all evaluated cell lines. Synergy with cisplatin was seen in some cell lines under hypoxic conditions. In the clinical trial, after seven patients were enrolled, the study was closed based on safety concerns. The only breast cancer patient had stable disease after 8 weeks, quickly followed by progression in the brain. Two patients withdrew consent within a week of enrollment. Two patients had disease progression prior to the first scheduled scans. Within one week of initiating DCA, one patient died suddenly of unknown cause, and one experienced a fatal pulmonary embolism. We conclude that patients with previously treated advanced NSCLC did not benefit from oral DCA. In the absence of a larger controlled trial, firm conclusions regarding the association between these adverse events and DCA are unclear. Further development of DCA should be in patients with longer life expectancy, in whom sustained therapeutic levels can be achieved, and potentially in combination with cisplatin.

Nipple adenoma is a rare proliferative lesion that originates from the lactiferous ducts of the nipple. Though it is benign, the typical presentation includes suspicious symptoms—a firm nodule, crusting erosion, and/or discharge from the nipple. These findings can raise concern for malignancy and in particular, Paget’s disease. We report two cases of this uncommon entity, highlighting the variable clinical presentation and keys to the diagnostic evaluation and management.

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