RESISTANCE TO CORTICOTROPIN, CORTISONE, AND FOLIC ACID ANTAGONISTS IN LEUKEMIA

Abstract
Ten of 16 children with acute leukemia, who were treated with hormones after no further improvement could be obtained with antifolic acid therapy, had good clinical and hematological response. Of the others, one had a partial response, 2 died, and 3 showed no response. Three of 6 children with acute leukemia, who were treated with 4-amino-N10 -pteroylglutamic acid (amethopterin) after no further improvement was obtained by hormone therapy, had good clinical response, while of the others one had partial response, and two showed no improvement. It is suggested that the modes of action of corticotropin and folic acid antagonists differ.