2-CYCLE TIMED-SEQUENTIAL CHEMOTHERAPY FOR ADULT ACUTE NONLYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA

  • 1 January 1984
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 64  (5) , 975-980
Abstract
Based on a series of clinical and laboratory studies of leukemia cell kinetics and responses to chemotherapy, an intensive timed-sequential regimen of daunorubicin and high-dose infusion 1-.beta.-D-arabinofuranosyl cytosine was disclosed for the treatment of adult acute nonlymphocytic leukemia. Of the 1st 34 patients achieving complete remission (CR) with a single cycle of this therapy, 4 (12%) remain in complete remission without further therapy after a minimum of 5 yr of follow-up. Treatment of relapsed patients with a 2nd course of the same regimen at relapse and no chemotherapy in 2nd remission increased to 7 (21%) the number of patients expected to remain in remission for 4 yr or more from their last chemotherapy. Beginning in 1980, all consenting adults were given a 2nd cycle of this chemotherapy in early 1st remission. Of the 1st 25 patients treated with a 2nd cycle of this chemotherapy in early 1st remission, there was 1 toxic death, but 11 patients (44%) remain in CR with a median follow-up of almost 3 yr.