Treatment of children with refractory acute lymphocytic leukemia with vincristine and diltiazem

Abstract

Six children with refractory acute lymphocytic leukemia were treated with vincristine combined with diltiazem. In four of five children who took the drug as scheduled, a cytolytic effect was observed. One child showed massive cell destruction which caused hyperuricemic nephropathy. The only adverse effect was atrioventricular block in two children, which was completely reversible. Increased neurotoxicity was not observed in any child.