A New Quadruple Combination Chemotherapy (Neo-DCMP) in Acute Leukemia

Abstract

A new quadruple combination chemotherapy (Neo-DCMP) was designed, applying a phenomenon of partial synchronization of leukemic blasts into S-phase maneuvered by cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C). Twenty one patients with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia were treated by Neo-DCMP, of whom 12 achieved complete remission. The duration till remission by Neo-DCMP was 54 days. It was longer as compared to that of 31 days by previous DCMP. The courses of Neo-DCMP till remission took 1 to 3 courses with a mean of 2 courses. The median remission length of the patients treated with Neo-DCMP was 4 months +, and the median survival of the 21 patients was 8 ½ months +. The comparative study of hematological changes during and after Neo-DCMP and DCMP indicated that the recovery of leukocytes and platelets was delayed in Neo-DCMP. Consequently the interval of Neo-DCMP courses had to be delayed to 23 days as compared to that of 13 days by DCMP. The partial synchronization of leukemic blasts and normal myeloid precursors with Ara-C in term of the effect of Neo-DCMP and DCMP was discussed. And, the interval of treatment courses of combination chemotherapy was discussed based on the results of sequential changes in the labeling index of leukemic blasts in Neo-DCMP.