PubMed · 1987 · 60 citations · 0 references
MedicineHematologyOncologyCancer PharmacologyChemotherapyHematologic OncologyChemotherapy In Hematologic MalignanciesChemotherapy Toxicity ManagementCytotoxic ChemotherapyHematologic Malignancy PharmacotherapyHematologic Malignancy TherapyMyelodysplastic SyndromesAcute LeukemiasAcute Myeloid Leukemia TherapyAcute Myeloid Leukemia TreatmentMyelodysplastic Syndrome TherapyMyelodysplastic Syndrome Treatment
We analyzed clinical trials of low dose cytosine arabinoside (LDARA-C) in 324 patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and 129 patients with myelodysplasia (MDS). Complete and partial remission rates were 31% and 18%, respectively, in patients with AML, and 24% and 27% in patients with MDS. Toxicity was primarily hematologic. Although in vitro data suggested that LDARA-C acts as a differentiating agent, clinical data generally indicate a cytotoxic mechanism. Given the lack of effective therapeutic options in MDS and high risk AML (patients greater than 65 years old, secondary AML), these data are encouraging. LDARA-C warrants further study, comparing continuous infusion with intermittent subcutaneous administration and comparing LDARA-C to conventional dose therapy.