Effect of bestatin on antitumor agentinducted leukopenia

Abstract

Nine patients with oral cancer were treated with one or two courses of chemotherapy using cis-platinum (CDDP; 80mg/m²), vincristin (VCR; 1mg) and peplomycin (PEP; 5mg×4 days). Of 9 patients 4 were combined 30mg of bestatin for 7 days (combined group). A decrease in the count of white blood cells (leukocytes) was observed in all patients after the chemotherapy. The count of white blood cells at the nadir was significantly (P<0.01) higher in the combined group (4, 857±780/mm³, n=7) than that of control group without bestatin (3, 478±507/mm³, n=9). Analysis of leukocytes showed that compared to control group, the combined group showed higher counts of neutrophils and lymphocytes. These findings suggest that bestatin prevents leukopenia induced by antitumor agents.