Therapeutic activity of 4-demethoxydauno-rubicin (idarubicin) in adult acute leukemia.

Abstract

Twenty-six patients affected by acute leukemia were treated with 4-demethoxydaunorubicin (idarubicin), a new anthracycline compound which in experimental leukemias showed an antitumoral activity superior to daunorubicin (DNR) and doxorubicin (DX), with a higher ratio of active to cardiotoxic doses. A group of 16 patients in relapse received idarubicin at a dosage of 5-6 mg/m2/day for 3 consecutive days; a second group of 6 relapsing and 4 previously untreated cases was treated with a sequential combination of idarubicin and arabinosyl cytosine. In all patients, a significant fall of bone marrow and peripheral blast cells was obtained. These preliminary results suggest that idarubicin has a therapeutic activity against human acute leukemias usually responsive to DNR or DX. The duration of myelosuppression varied from 7 to 50 days, leading in some cases to a high risk of infections. As regards other toxic effects (gastrointestinal, hepatic and acute cardiac toxicity, alopecia), idarubicin appears to be, in our experience, a well-tolerated drug; however, it is too early to comment on delayed cardiac effects.

• Authors: G Lambertenghi-Deliliers, E Pogliani, A T Maiolo, M A Pacciarini, E E Polli
• Journal: Tumori (Tumori) Vol. 69 Issue 6 Pg. 515-9 (Dec 31 1983) ISSN: 0300-8916 [Print] United States
• PMID: 6582678 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Cytarabine
• Idarubicin
• Daunorubicin

Topics

• Acute Disease
• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols (therapeutic use)
• Bone Marrow (drug effects)
• Cytarabine (administration & dosage)
• Daunorubicin (adverse effects, analogs & derivatives, therapeutic use)
• Drug Evaluation
• Female
• Humans
• Idarubicin
• Leukemia (drug therapy)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Time Factors