| Abstract: | We have investigated the efficacy of mitoxantrone in combination with etoposide in patients with refractory acute myelogenous leukemia. The regimen consisted of 10 mg/m2/day of mitoxantrone given iv on Days 1-5; and 100 mg/m2/day of etoposide as short infusion, initially on Days 1-3 and extended to Days 4 and 5 as appropriate. Of the 26 patients treated with this combination, nine (34.6%) have achieved complete remission and two have achieved partial remission. The median duration of continuous complete remission was 85 days (range, 21-183+). Toxicity was mild and only one case of early death was observed. This combination seems to be an active regimen in refractory acute myelogenous leukemia, and its incorporation in front-line therapy seems warranted. |
