AZT plus methotrexate in HIV-related non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.

Abstract

AZT is a thymidine analogue useful in the treatment of AIDS. It has been demonstrated that this compound can possess a significant antineoplastic activity when combined with de novo thymidylate synthesis inhibitors, such as 5-fluorouracil (5FU) and methotrexate (MTX). Here we report a review of our data concerning the efficacy and tolerance of the combination AZT + MTX in HIV-related non Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL). Twenty-nine patients were treated, at weekly intervals, with three (patient 1 to 10) or six (patient 11 to 29) consecutive courses of MTX 1g/m2 and increasing doses of oral AZT (2, 4 and 6g/m2) with leucovorin rescue. Of 26 evaluable patients, a total (complete + partial) response rate of 77% was obtained. The median complete response duration was 16.8 months. There was one therapy-related death due to septic shock. Grade III-IV neutropenia was observed after 19% of the courses, but was prevented by G-CSF administration in 82/119 courses. Grade III-IV anemia was observed after 9% of the courses. In conclusion, the combination AZT + MTX was effective and well tolerated in our series of HIV-related NHL patients.

• Authors: P Tosi, F Gherlinzoni, G Visani, O Coronado, P Costigliola, M Mazzetti, F Gritti, F Chiodo
• Journal: Leukemia & lymphoma (Leuk Lymphoma) Vol. 30 Issue 1-2 Pg. 175-9 (Jun 1998) ISSN: 1042-8194 [Print] United States
• PMID: 9669687 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Anti-HIV Agents
• Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic
• Zidovudine
• Methotrexate

Topics

• Adult
• Anti-HIV Agents (therapeutic use)
• Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic (therapeutic use)
• Drug Therapy, Combination
• Female
• Humans
• Lymphoma, AIDS-Related (drug therapy)
• Male
• Methotrexate (therapeutic use)
• Middle Aged
• Zidovudine (therapeutic use)