title: Mitoxantrone, etoposide and cytarabine in the treatment of acute nonlymphocytic leukemia.
abstract: In a phase I/II study mitoxantrone and etoposide, in combination with cytarabine, were given to 26 patients with refractory, relapsed, and previously untreated acute nonlymphocytic leukemia. Therapy consisted of mitoxantrone 12 mg/m2/day for 3 days, etoposide 100 mg/m2/day and cytarabine 1 g/m2 twice a day for 5 days. A total of 14 complete remissions (CR, 54%) were noted. Among refractory patients 5 of 10 achieved a CR as compared to 5 of 6 in the previously untreated group. A favorable response was also seen in patients with late relapse off treatment (3/4 CR) while patients relapsing on therapy did worse (1/6 CR). The results suggest a high antileukemic activity and a moderate toxicity for this drug combination.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Björkholm
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Björnsdottir
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Stenke
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Grimfors
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003561:Cytarabine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005047:Etoposide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015470:Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008942:Mitoxantrone / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D003561:Cytarabine; D005047:Etoposide; D008942:Mitoxantrone