COMBINATION CHEMOTHERAPY FOR TERMINAL-PHASE CHRONIC GRANULOCYTIC-LEUKEMIA - CANCER AND LEUKEMIA GROUP-B STUDIES

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 55  (1) , 29-36
Abstract
A 34% response was obtained in 202 evaluable patients in the terminal phase of chronic granulocytic leukemia [CGL] using combinations of hydroxyurea, 6-mercaptopurine and corticosteroids. Of the responses, 2% were complete and 22% partial. Overall median survival was 12 wk. A 30 wk median survival for responding patients was statistically superior to the 7 wk survival for nonresponders (P < 0.001). Response was inversely correlated with toxicity. No responses were obtained in patients sustaining severe infectious and bleeding complications. No benefit could be demonstrated from addition of vincristine in induction and daunorubicin for consolidation. Although the response frequency and duration of survival with this combination chemotherapy were generally superior to those previously reported, the terminal phase of CGL still remains a formidable and generally refractory disease.