Low‐dose ARA‐C fails to enhance differentiation of leukaemic cells

Summary Nine patients with acute myelogenous leukaemia were treated with low‐dose ARA‐C (10 mg/m², q 12 h) for a planned 21 d. Complete remission was attained in only one patient (11.1%). Definite cytoreductive effect was seen in four additional patients. There was one treatment‐related death. Haematologic toxicity occurred in all nine patients with severe thrombocytopenia most prominent. Severe hepatotoxicity precluded further ARA‐C treatment in one patient. Because of toxicity only two patients were able to complete their scheduled 3 week courses of low‐dose ARA‐C. No evidence of ARA‐C induced differentiation of leukaemic cells was noted on follow‐up bone marrow examination during or shortly after the treatment course. The utility and indication for low‐dose ARA‐C therapy of AML remains to be determined.