2'-DEOXYCOFORMYCIN (DCF) AND 9-BETA-D-ARABINOFURANOSYLADENINE (ARA-A) IN THE TREATMENT OF REFRACTORY ACUTE MYELOCYTIC-LEUKEMIA

  • 1 January 1982
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 66  (2) , 253-257
Abstract
The combination of 2''-deoxycoformycin (DCF), a potent adenosine deaminase (ADA) inhibitor, and 9-.beta.-D-arabinofuranosyladenine (Ara-A) was used in a patient with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia refractory to all conventional modes of therapy. DCF was given by periodic i.v. injections to ablate ADA activity. Ara-A was given by continuous i.v. infusion at an initial dose of 1.5 mg/kg per day, with progressive increases to 6 mg/kg per day. With adequate ADA suppression (< 2 .times. 10-2 .mu.mol of inosine per h/106 cells), the Ara-A decreased the absolute peripheral blood myeloblast count from 36,332 to 780/.mu.l. The patient experienced no renal, hepatic or neurologic complications during therapy.