title: Low dose cytosine arabinoside in myelodysplasia and acute myelogenous leukemia: a review.
abstract: We analyzed clinical trials of low dose cytosine arabinoside (LDARA-C) in 324 patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and 129 patients with myelodysplasia (MDS). Complete and partial remission rates were 31% and 18%, respectively, in patients with AML, and 24% and 27% in patients with MDS. Toxicity was primarily hematologic. Although in vitro data suggested that LDARA-C acts as a differentiating agent, clinical data generally indicate a cytotoxic mechanism. Given the lack of effective therapeutic options in MDS and high risk AML (patients greater than 65 years old, secondary AML), these data are encouraging. LDARA-C warrants further study, comparing continuous infusion with intermittent subcutaneous administration and comparing LDARA-C to conventional dose therapy.
authors.affiliation: Hematology-Oncology Section, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia.
authors.forename: B J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Bolwell
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Cassileth
authors.forename: R P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Gale
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D003561:Cytarabine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D015470:Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009190:Myelodysplastic Syndromes / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D003561:Cytarabine