title: Antithymocyte globulin and cyclosporine A as combination therapy for low-risk non-sideroblastic myelodysplastic syndromes.
abstract: 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.
authors: Karolinska Institutet, Department of Medicine, Karolinska University, Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden.
authors: Per Anders
authors: PA
authors: Broliden
authors: Inger-Marie
authors: IM
authors: Dahl
authors: Robert
authors: R
authors: Hast
authors: Bertil
authors: B
authors: Johansson
authors: Eeva
authors: E
authors: Juvonen
authors: Lars
authors: L
authors: Kjeldsen
authors: Anna
authors: A
authors: Porwit-MacDonald
authors: Malvin
authors: M
authors: Sjoo
authors: Jon-Magnus
authors: JM
authors: Tangen
authors: Bertil
authors: B
authors: Uggla
authors: Gunnar
authors: G
authors: Oberg
authors: Eva
authors: E
authors: Hellstrom-Lindberg