Low-dose combination chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia in elderly patients: a novel approach.
Eighteen patients aged 60-84 years with acute myeloid leukemia were treated with low-dose combination chemotherapy comprising cytarabine, etoposide, and mitozantrone or 6-thioguanine; seven of these patients had a pre-existing myelodysplastic syndrome. Nine patients achieved a complete remission, and five had a partial remission. The duration of survival in these 14 responding patients has ranged from 2+ to 19+ months. Myelotoxicity occurred regularly, with time to recovery (neutrophils > or =0.5 x 10(9)/L, platelets > or =50 x 10(9)/L) from nadir being 10-14 days in 12 of the 14 patients. This novel approach with an overall response rate of 78% appears to be a simple and effective form of therapy for elderly patients.
Manoharan
A
A
Department of Clinical Haematology, St. George Hospital, Sydney, N.S.W., Australia.
Baker
R I
RI
Kyle
P W
PW
D000208:Acute Disease; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003561:Cytarabine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007951:Leukemia, Myeloid / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D003561:Cytarabine