INDUCTION TOXICITY IN CHILDHOOD ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC-LEUKEMIA - A COMPARISON OF 2 SCHEDULES OF DAUNORUBICIN ADMINISTRATION

The haematological toxicity of the induction phase of chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) was compared in two cohorts of pa tients. The principal difference between these two cohorts was the mod e of administration of the anthracycline, daunorubicin (DNR). Both gro ups received four-drug induction chemotherapy, which produced a high r emission rate. Those receiving DNR on days 1 and 2 experienced a profo und but shorter period of neutropenia and more severe thrombocytopenia than those who received the DNR weekly. The pattern of hospitalisatio n and support facilities in the individual unit may determine which re gimen is to be preferred. These observations are relevant for the newl y diagnosed patient in whom an anthracycline is retained in the induct ion therapy for ALL. (C) Wiley-Liss, Inc.