Randomized Study of 3,4-Diaminopyridine for Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome

PROTOCOL ENTRY CRITERIA: --Disease Characteristics-- Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) based on weakness that predominates in proximal limb muscles and electromyography (EMG) findings of small amplitude muscle responses to nerve stimulation, which decrease further during nerve stimulation at 5 Hz and which increase at least 2-fold after maximum voluntary contraction of the muscle for 10-20 seconds Quantified Myasthenia Gravis (QMG) clinical score at least 5 --Prior/Concurrent Therapy-- Chemotherapy: No concurrent chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: Patients receiving immunosuppressants must be on the same dose of medication for at least 3 months prior to study entry Radiotherapy: No concurrent radiotherapy Surgery: No concurrent surgery Other: Patients receiving cholinesterase inhibitors must discontinue the medication at study entry if possible, or else be on the same dose of medication for at least 1 month prior to study entry --Patient Characteristics-- Hematopoietic: No significant hematologic disease Hepatic: No significant hepatic disease Renal: No significant renal disease Cardiovascular: No cardiac arrhythmia or significant cardiac disease Neurologic: No seizure disorder Other: Not pregnant Negative pregnancy test required of fertile women Effective contraception required of fertile women