Effective remission induction in children with recurrent acute myeloid leukemia by mAMSA, Ara-C, and VP 16.

Abstract

Five children treated for acute myeloid leukemia according to the BFM protocol AML 83 experienced first bone marrow relapse after 7, 10, 14, 18, and 30 months and were retreated for second remission induction. The chemotherapy consisted of mAMSA (100 mg/m2 per day i.v., days 1-3), ARA-C (100 mg/m2, twice daily, days 1-6), and VP 16 (150 mg/m2 per day, days 4-6). Four of the children achieved a complete second remission after one course of chemotherapy, and the fifth child died of pneumonia during bone marrow aplasia. All surviving children received an identical second course within 4-5 weeks, followed by maintenance chemotherapy. Remission duration was 0, 3, 4, 5, and 5 months. Toxicity was confined to heavy bone marrow depression with thrombocytopenia (nadir 2-7000, days 7-13) and leukocytopenia (nadir 0-400, days 8-14). Bleeding episodes could be prevented by substitution with platelets. Four patients experienced infections (pneumonia, septicemia). We conclude that combination chemotherapy using mAMSA, ARA-C, and VP 16 is effective in inducing a second remission in patients with early bone marrow relapse. The main side effect was considerable bone marrow toxicity.