Antithymocyte globulin and cyclosporine A as combination therapy for low-risk non-sideroblastic myelodysplastic syndromes.
The present study evaluated the combination of antithymocyte globulin (ATG) and cyclosporine A (CsA) in patients with low-risk myelodysplastic syndromes. Twenty patients (17 with refractory anemia and 3 with refractory anemia with excess blasts) received treatment with rabbit-ATG plus CsA. The overall response rate was 30% (6/20); three of the six responders had a complete response. The responses lasted 2-58 months, with two patients still being in complete remission at 42 and 58 months. Short-lasting cytogenetic remissions were achieved in two patients. ATG was poorly tolerated in patients over 70 years of age. Four out of 20 patients progressed to acute myeloid leukemia within a year. We conclude that immunosuppressive treatment may be a therapeutic option for selected patients with myelodysplastic syndrome.
Broliden
Per Anders
PA
Karolinska Institutet, Department of Medicine, Karolinska University, Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden.
Dahl
Inger-Marie
IM
Hast
Robert
R
Johansson
Bertil
B
Juvonen
Eeva
E
Kjeldsen
Lars
L
Porwit-MacDonald
Anna
A
Sjoo
Malvin
M
Tangen
Jon-Magnus
JM
Uggla
Bertil
B
Oberg
Gunnar
G
Hellstrom-Lindberg
Eva
E