Low-dose melphalan induces favourable responses in elderly patients with high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes or secondary acute myeloid leukaemia.
We treated 21 elderly patients with high-risk myelodysplasia (n = 14) or secondary acute myeloid leukaemia (n = 7) with 2 mg of melphalan orally once a day until a complete peripheral response was obtained or until there was evidence of treatment failure. We observed seven (30%) complete and two (10%) partial peripheral responses occurring within 4-16 weeks and lasting for 12 + to 55 weeks. In relapse, retreatment was successful in most of the patients. Responses were associated with the absence of complex cytogenetic abnormalities and with a normal or reduced bone marrow cellularity.
Denzlinger
C
C
Department II, Medical Clinic, University of Tübingen, Germany.
Bowen
D
D
Benz
D
D
Gelly
K
K
Brugger
W
W
Kanz
L
L
D000208:Acute Disease; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007951:Leukemia, Myeloid / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008558:Melphalan / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009190:Myelodysplastic Syndromes / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012307:Risk Factors
D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; D008558:Melphalan