2-Chlorodeoxyadenosine treatment of Waldenström's macroglobulinemia--the analysis of own experience and the review of literature.
BACKGROUND
The aim of the study was to evaluate the results of treatment of Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia with 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine. The evaluation was based on our own experience as well as on the data published previously in the literature.


METHODS
25 patients with Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia (MW) were treated with 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine (2-CdA) at the dose of 0.14 mg/kg b.w./day for five consecutive days as 2-hour intravenous infusions. Chemotherapy was repeated every 28 to 35 days.


RESULTS
In one case (4%) a complete remission and in 15 patients (60%) a partial remission was achieved. In 6 patients (24%) stabilization of the disease was observed while in 3 patients (12%) progression was noted during the treatment. As a result of the therapy, the mean monoclonal protein concentration decreased from 28.7 g/l (range 5.5-62.5 g/l) to 16.7 g/l (range 0-62.9 g/l) and the mean hemoglobin concentration increased from 10.6 g/dl (range 6.9-13.4) to 12.4 g/dl (range 8.2-14.8 g/dl).


CONCLUSIONS
Our own experience, as well as conclusions of other authors, confirm the effectiveness of 2-CdA in MW treatment. Both the results of treatment and intensity of side effects observed in our treatment group were comparable to those described in previous reports.
Lewandowski
K
K
Department of Hematology, Medical University, ul. Debinki 7, 80-211 Gdańsk, Poland.
Zaucha
J M
JM
Bieniaszewska
M
M
Hałaburda
K
K
Hellmann
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017338:Cladribine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009503:Neutropenia / Q000139:chemically induced; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000139:chemically induced; D008258:Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D007075:Immunoglobulin M; D017338:Cladribine