SALVAGE THERAPY WITH LOW-DOSE CYTOSINE-ARABINOSIDE IN REFRACTORY OR RELAPSED ACUTE NONLYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA - A REPORT ON 25 PATIENTS

Thirteen patients with de novo acute non-lymphocytic leukaemia (ANLL) refractory to standard chemotherapy for remission induction and 12 pat ients with ANLL in relapse were treated with low-dose cytosine arabino side (LD ara-C) 10 mg/m(2) subcutaneously every 12 hours for 21 days. Five of 13 patients (38 %) and 6 of 12 patients (50 %), respectively, obtained a complete remission (CR). Of these, 7 patients subsequently relapsed after 2-76 months, while 4 patients remain in CR after 7-131 months. Compared to standard intensive regimens treatment with LD ara- C was rather non-toxic, requiring platelet transfusions and antibiotic s in only 6 and 13 cases, respectively. Three patients (12%) died duri ng induction therapy with LD ara-C; 2 had a cerebral haemorrhage and 1 developed anuria following a staphylococcol septicaemia. In conclusio n, therapy with LD ara-C may be preferable to more intensive and toxic regimens in the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory ANL L.