COMBINATION CHEMOTHERAPY (M-2) PROTOCOL (BCNU, CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE, VINCRISTINE, MELPHALAN, AND PREDNISONE) FOR WALDENSTROMS MACROGLOBULINEMIA - PRELIMINARY-REPORT

  • 1 January 1982
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 59  (5) , 934-937
Abstract
Fourteen consecutively referred, symptomatic patients with Waldenstrom''s macroglobulinemia (ages 52-87 yr) were treated with the 5-drug M-2 protocol (BCNU [1,3-bis-(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea], cyclophosphamide, vincristine, melphalan, prednisone). Three patients were previously treated; 11 patients were untreated. The majority of patients were symptomatic from hyperviscosity. All patients have responded to therapy. Two patients have achieved complete remissions and 12 patients partial remissions to date. None of the patients with symptomatic hyperviscosity has required plasmapheresis since therapy with the M-2 has been initiated. Lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly and anemia have also responded to treatment. Follow-up data are limited, with survival from initiation of therapy with the M-2 ranging from 2+ to 35+ mo. (median 17+ mo. 2+ -40+ mo. from time of diagnosis). Combination chemotherapy for Waldenstrom''s macroglobulinemia with the M-2 protocol appears to increase the response rate in patients with symptomatic disease. Further survival analysis will be carried out.