Therapeutic efficacy of theophylline in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Theophylline, a methylxanthine commonly used as a treatment for asthma, has been shown to induce apoptosis in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells both in vitro and in vivo. We have treated three advanced CLL patients with theophylline, and seen responses in two. The clinical courses of the responders are presented, and the literature concerning theophylline as therapy for CLL is reviewed.
Makower
D
D
Department of Oncology, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein Cancer Center, Bronx, New York 10467, USA. makower@jimmy.harvard.edu
Malik
U
U
Novik
Y
Y
Wiernik
P H
PH
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects; D000242:Cyclic AMP; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015451:Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013806:Theophylline / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; D013806:Theophylline; D000242:Cyclic AMP