抄録
The present report deals with treatment of polycythemia vera with Procarbazine (Prokarbazin, 1-methyl-2-p-iso-propylcarbamoyl-benzylhydrazine-hydrochloride) and particularly with effects of this drug on the hematocrit, remission rate and duration of remission.
Three of six patients were treated in 2 courses, and the other in 1 course. The hemoglobin level, red cell count, hematocrit, leukocyte and platelet count were measured immediately before and after procarbazine administration.
The average total dose given in 1 course was 8,560 mg (4,600 to 10,000 mg), and the average duration of treatment was 9.4 weeks (4-1/2 to 10-1/2). Leukocyte count was the main criterion for instituting and discontinuing treatment and in contrast to the series with Myleran, considerable reduction of leukocytes, platelets and red cells were observed in the cases treated with Procarbazine.
On the other hand, the fall in leukocyte alkaline phosphatase activities on discontinuation of treatment was observed in the present series. The complete remission was obtained in all patients, but the relapse occurred in 2. In this group the duration of remission was from 10 to 20 months or longer (av. 14 months and more) at the present time.
Although the evaluation of Procarbazine in the treatment of polycythemia vera remains to be determined, this drug appears to be the treatment of choice for control in polycythemia vera.
