Weekly High-Dosage Glucocorticosteroid Treatment of Lymphocytic Leukemias and Lymphomas

Abstract

CHRONIC lymphocytic leukemia and lymphosarcoma are generally treated with alkylating agents and x-rays. Glucocorticosteroids are also effective but are seldom used as definitive treatment of these disorders since they must be given over long periods and in doses often associated with serious side effects; thus, the steroids have been used primarily for complications that may accompany the disease — namely, hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia. In critically ill patients massive glucocorticosteroid therapy may have a striking effect, but side effects prohibit continuance of treatment.1 , 2 In an attempt to gain maximum therapeutic advantage with minimal complications it appeared reasonable to administer the . . .