Fludarabine for Low Grade Lymphoid Malignancy
Author Information
Author(s): J.S. Whelan, C.L. Davis, S. Rule, M. Ranson, O.P. Smith, A.B. Mehta, D. Catovsky, A.Z.S. Rohatiner, T.A. Lister
Primary Institution: ICRF Department of Medical Oncology, St Bartholomew's Hospital, London
Hypothesis
Fludarabine is effective in treating low grade lymphoid malignancies.
Conclusion
Fludarabine shows activity in advanced low grade lymphoid malignancy, but further studies are needed.
Supporting Evidence
- Complete remission was achieved in six patients and partial remission in seven.
- Overall response rates were 48% for follicular lymphoma and 18% for low grade diffuse NHL.
- Fludarabine was well tolerated with rare significant toxicity.
Takeaway
Fludarabine is a medicine that helps some people with a type of blood cancer feel better, but more research is needed to see how well it works for everyone.
Methodology
Thirty-four patients with NHL, 15 with CLL, and one with PLL were treated with Fludarabine at a dose of 25 mg/m2 intravenously for 5 days.
Potential Biases
The patient population had many unfavorable features, which may affect the results.
Limitations
The study involved a small number of patients and was conducted in a heavily pretreated group.
Participant Demographics
34 patients with NHL, 15 with CLL, and 1 with PLL; median age 61 years for CLL patients.
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