ISSN:
1432-0584
Keywords:
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia
;
Leukemia
;
Chemotherapy
;
Prednisone
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Sequential chemotherapy with vincristine, daunorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and prednisone doses was administered to 57 adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Complete remission (CR) was achieved in 51 (89%, 95% confidence intervals, [CI] 78–96%). Among patients achieving CR, 62% were in CR after one sequence of chemotherapy, 23% after two sequences, and 5% after three sequences. Six patients (11%) had resistant disease. All patients experienced profound myelosuppression. Median time to recovery of neutrophils 〉 0.5 × 109/l was 22 days (range: 5–89 days), and of platelets 〉100×l09/l 21 days (range: 0–45 days). Nonhematologic WHO grade 3 or more side effects consisted predominantly of hyperbilirubinemia (7%), mucositis (5%), nausea and vomiting (2%), and cutaneous toxicity (1%). Severe infectious complications occurred in only 14% of cases. One patient (2%, 95% CI 0–9%) died of therapy-related toxicity while in early CR. We concluded that sequential use of prednisone seemed at least as effective as continuous administration at the expense of a few adverse side effects.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01834381
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