title: Bone marrow protection with amifostine in the treatment of high-risk malignant lymphoma.
abstract: Based on preclinical and clinical studies which suggested that amifostine can protect against haematological toxicity of cyclophosphamide, we conducted a clinical trial of amifostine and intermediate doses of cyclophosphamide in patients with high-risk malignant lymphoma. 40 patients were enrolled to receive amifostine (910 mg/m2) before cyclophosphamide (1500 mg/m2) for two cycles (10 patients); 20 patients were allocated to receive amifostine/cyclophosphamide only on one cycle (patients were their own control) and 10 patients received cyclophosphamide alone without amifostine protection. Patients who received amifostine had fewer days of severe granulocytopenia (grade III or IV) and infectious episodes, and delay on treatment was minimal. Amifostine was well tolerated; only 2 patients developed transient and mild hypotension. The complete response rate was 72% (29/40). We conclude that amifostine is a good protector against haematological toxicity of cyclophosphamide and did not interfere with tumour response. Clinical trials with increasing doses of cytotoxic drugs or combination chemotherapy are needed to define the role of this myeloprotector agent in the treatment of patients with malignant lymphoma.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hematology, Oncology Hospital, National Medical Center, México, D.F., Mexico.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Avilés
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Díaz-Maqueo
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Talavera
authors.forename: E L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: García
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Guzmán
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Nambo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000380:Agranulocytosis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004999:Amifostine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001853:Bone Marrow / Q000187:drug effects*; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016403:Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009894:Opportunistic Infections / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; D003520:Cyclophosphamide; D004999:Amifostine