Low-dose arabinosyl cytosine in acute leukemia after a myelodysplastic syndrome and in elderly leukemia.

Abstract

Low-dose arabinosyl cytosine (ARA-C) was tested in 15 patients with acute leukemia after a myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and in six elderly patients with acute nonlymphoid leukemia (ANLL). The drug was given subcutaneously at 10 mg/m2, every 12 hr for 2 weeks, every 28 days. The overall response rate was 19% (one complete remission, three partial responses), and the median duration of response was 4 months. No particular features at diagnosis were predictive of response. Pancytopenia and marrow hypoplasia occurred after 44 (78%) of 56 courses of therapy and were more severe in nonresponders. Four patients died during the aplasia following ARA-C therapy. Subcutaneous low-dose ARA-C was of limited benefit and bore a noticeable hematologic toxicity.

• Authors: E P Alessandrino, E Orlandi, E Brusamolino, M Lazzarino, C Bernasconi
• Journal: American journal of hematology (Am J Hematol) Vol. 20 Issue 2 Pg. 191-3 (Oct 1985) ISSN: 0361-8609 [Print] United States
• PMID: 4036958 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Cytarabine

Topics

• Acute Disease
• Adult
• Aged
• Cytarabine (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Humans
• Leukemia (drug therapy, etiology)
• Middle Aged
• Myeloproliferative Disorders (complications)
• Preleukemia (drug therapy)