Daunorubicin, cytosine arabinoside and 6-thioguanine (DAT) combination chemotherapy for the treatment of acute non-lymphocytic leukemia.

One hundred and eight unselected patients with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia (ANLL) were treated with a combination of daunorubicin, cytosine arabinoside and 6-thioguanine (DAT). The complete remission rate was 54.6% and was achieved after an average of 2.3 courses of therapy. Among the initial variables, erythroleukemia morphology was the single most important prognostic factor, being associated with a poorer response rate (14.2%). Median remission duration was 48 weeks and median survival was 75 weeks; the estimated proportions of responders alive at 1 and 2 y from diagnosis were 71 and 35% respectively. Severe myelosuppression was the most common toxic effect observed during induction. DAT combination is an effective remission induction regimen for ANLL patients of all age groups.