Pathology Handbook

Mitotane (Sendaway Test)

It is recommended that a baseline (pre-treatment) blood sample, a trough level at 1, 2 and 4 weeks after starting treatment, and then regular checks of a trough level every 3 months, be performed.

1. Immediately Centrifuge for 15 minutes at 4'C @3500 rpm.
2. Aliquot and store plasma (2-5 ml) in a polypropylene tube at -20'C.
3. Ship frozen plasma with enough dry ice to remain frozen to address below.

Madhu Garg
Medical Oncology Laboratory
Calvary Mater Newcastle Hospital
Edith St
Waratah  NSW 2298

Madhu Garg
Medical Oncology Laboratory
Calvary Mater Newcastle Hospital
Edith St
Waratah  NSW 2298

Phone:   02 4014 3255

Fax:       02 4014 3557
Email: madhu.garg@newcastle.edu.au or madhu.garg@calvarymater.org.au

Ref. Range: 14 -20 mg/L

Serum Mitotane levels above 14 mg/L are associated with optimal therapeutic effect (Haak HR, et al. Br J Cancer 1994.69:947-951). Levels above 20 mg/L are associated with toxicity, mainly gastrointestinal and CNS adverse effects (Van Slooten H et al. Eur J Clin Oncol 1984. 20: 47 - 53, Baudin E et al. Cancer 2001. 92:1385-92).

Note: This test is not Medicare funded. Assay performed by a non NATA accredited research lab- Medical Oncology laboratory at Calvary Mater Newcastle Hospital.