title: Busulphan: effect on platelet RNA dependent DNA polymerase--implications in the treatment of polycythemia vera, thrombosis and atherosclerosis.
abstract: Analysis of controlled studies performed by the Polycythemia Vera Study Group (P.V.S.G.) and the European Organization for Research in Treatment of Cancer (E.O.R.T.C.) indicate that busulphan (Myleran) (BU) is the treatment of choice for polycythemia vera (PV). BU is particularly effective as compared to aspirin and dipyridamole (Persantine) or radioactive phosphorus (32P) in preventing the thrombotic and atherosclerotic complications of PV. In contradistinction to chlorambucil (CM), BU is not associated with an unacceptable increase in the incidence of leukemia. The pharmacology of BU remains unclear, but certainly it cannot be considered a classic alkylating agent. BU suppresses the activity of the reverse transcriptase-like RNA dependent DNA polymerase in the platelets of these patients. A clearer understanding of the role of BU in the treatment of the myeloproliferative disorders will provide important insights into the etiology and pathogenesis not only of preneoplastic states, but also thrombosis and atherosclerosis.
mesh_terms: D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology*; D002066:Busulfan / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D011087:Polycythemia Vera / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012194:RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / Q000097:blood*; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000188:drug therapy
chemical_list: D012194:RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase; D002066:Busulfan