Hydroxyurea therapy in chronic myelogenous leukemia

Abstract

Hydroxyurea was administered to 20 patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia. The white blood cell counts decreased to normal in all the patients, anemia improved, splenomegaly decreased or disappeared, thrombocytosis was corrected, and bone marrow improvement occurred in all the patients. Megaloblastosis was noted consistently. Hydroxyurea was effective in treating chronic meylogenous leukemia refractory to busulfan. Hydroxyurea did not prevent the development of the acute phase of chronic myelogenous leukemia, hemolysis, or rnyelofibrosis. The chief systemic reaction was reversible myelosuppression and a n unusual dermatologic alteration. Hydroxyurea is as effective as busulfan and may be utilized as a primary therapy of chronic myelogenous leukemia.