Secondary treatment of polycythemia rubra vera with 6‐thioguanine

Abstract

6‐thioguanine, an antimetabolite not potentiated by allopurinol, has been used in the treatment of 29 patients with polycythemia vera. All but two of the patients had been treated previously by venesection and/or radioactive phosphorus (32p) and/or alkylating agents. The usual dose was 40–160 mg daily alternate weeks according to individual response. The treatment period varied from 6–66 months (mean, 31 months). Of 27 evaluable patients 24 (89%) responded to treatment and at one year there was a significant fall in all blood count parameters. Seven patients relapsed while on treatment and four were withdrawn because of side effects. 6‐thioguanine merits further evaluation in the management of polycythemia vera, particularly in those patients who have received large cumulative doses of 32p and/or alkylating agents and in whom an alternative mode of therapy is desirable. Copyright © 1982 American Cancer Society