ANTITHORACIC DUCT LYMPHOCYTE GLOBULIN THERAPY OF SEVERE APLASTIC-ANEMIA

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  • 1 January 1983
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 62  (4) , 883-888
Abstract
A prospective randomized trial of antithoracic duct lymphocyte globulin (ATDLG), HLA-haploidentical marrow and androgen (regimen ABA) vs. androgen alone (Concurrent STANDARD care controls) were performed in 42 newly diagnosed individuals with severe aplastic anemia. ABA patients also were matched with patients from the preceding study (historical STANDARD care controls). Supportive care and pretreatment patient characteristics were the same in all groups. By life table analysis, 76% of patients receiving ABA are alive at 2 yr compared to 31% of the concurrent control group (P < 0.002 vs. ABA) and 19% of the historical controls (P < 0.0001 vs. ABA) given STANDARD care. ABA patients had greater hematologic improvement than either control group (P < 0.001). Improvement with ABA was often incomplete. Toxicity of ATDLG was considerable but manageable. Futher studies to determine the mechanism of action and active component(s) of ABA are indicated.