In vitro chemo-sensitivity of B-chronic lymphocytic leukaemia to ara-G.
In vitro sensitivity to ara-G of peripheral blood B-CLL lymphocytes from 23 patients was assessed using the flow cytometric TdT assay. All patients had typical B-CLL, according to immunophenotype and morphology, and none had received treatment within 1 year of testing. A wide range of spontaneous apoptosis was recorded. Exposure of the cells to a concentration of ara-G, comparable to plasma levels achieved in a phase I trial, produced significant increases in the rate of apoptosis in 21 out of 23 patients. Prior treatment, stage or lymphocyte doubling time did not influence the effect of ara-G. Ten patients' samples tested, in parallel, for sensitivity to fludarabine demonstrated a good correlation of response to both drugs. This in vitro evidence of activity against B-CLL suggests that the spectrum of clinically useful action may be broader than previously demonstrated.
Bromidge
T
T
Department of Haematology, Leukaemia Research Unit, Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, TA1 5DA, Somerset, UK. teresa.bromidge@tauntonsom-tr.swest.nhs.uk
Frewin
R
R
Johnson
S
S
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001087:Arabinonucleosides / Q000494:pharmacology*; D019008:Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; D004354:Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D015451:Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / Q000473:pathology*; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D001087:Arabinonucleosides; C028771:9-arabinofuranosylguanine