Deoxycoformycin in the treatment of mature T-cell leukaemias
1991

Deoxycoformycin for Mature T-Cell Leukaemias

Sample size: 68 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): C. Dearden, E. Matutes, D. Catovsky

Primary Institution: Royal Marsden Hospital and Institute of Cancer Research

Hypothesis

What is the therapeutic activity of deoxycoformycin in treating mature T-cell leukaemias?

Conclusion

Deoxycoformycin is a useful therapy for T-cell leukaemias, especially for Sezary syndrome and T-PLL.

Supporting Evidence

  • Overall response rates were 38%, with variations according to diagnosis.
  • Best responses were seen in CTCL, particularly in Sezary patients.
  • Responses in T-PLL were recorded in 48%, including three complete responses.
  • Fifteen percent of responses were seen in ATLL, with responders having prior chemotherapy.

Takeaway

This study tested a medicine called deoxycoformycin on patients with a type of blood cancer, and it helped some of them feel better.

Methodology

DCF was given intravenously at 4 mg/m2 weekly for the first 4 weeks and then every 2 weeks until maximal response.

Limitations

The study does not show a radical change in the natural history of aggressive T-cell disorders with DCF alone.

Participant Demographics

Median age was 54 years, with a range of 20-81 years; 59% had prior systemic treatment.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

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