DOUBLE HEMIBODY IRRADIATION WITH GM-CSF AS SALVAGE THERAPY FOR REFRACTORY CHRONIC LYMPHOCYTIC-LEUKEMIA

We describe a new and original therapy with total body irradiation in two separate 4 gy single courses (double hemibody irradiation) combine d with GM-CSF support, 5ug/day on days 1-15 after each hemibody irradi ation, for refractory patients with B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CL L). A complete response was observed in a patient with a B-CLL resista nt to CAP and FAMP therapy. Overall tolerance was good. The major poin ts of interest in this technique are the combination of the antitumor effect of irradiation, limited bone marrow toxicity and a potential sp ecific anti-leukemia effect of GM-CSF.