Roquinimex (Linomide) vs placebo in AML after autologous bone marrow transplantation

Roquinimex, Linomide, a quinoline derivative with pleiotropic immunomodulatory activity, has previously been shown to enhance natural killer (NK) cell number and activity after ABMT in patients with AML. In this study 278 AML patients in remission were randomized to receive Roquinimex 0.2 mg/kg body weight or placebo twice weekly for 2 years following ABMT. Out of 139 patients in each group, 109 Roquinimex patients and 108 placebo patients were in their first CR. Median age at inclusion was 41 years for Roquinimex patients and 39 years for placebo patients. Twelve patients in each group had their marrow purged prior to reinfusion. Relapse and death were study endpoints. Surviving patients were followed for 2.6 to 6. 9 years. The total number of relapses was 60 in the Roquinimex group and 63 in the placebo group (not significant). Leukemia-free and overall survivals were similar in the two groups. Recovery of platelet counts was significantly delayed in the Roquinimex group as compared to placebo. No other significant differences regarding toxicity parameters were recorded. In conclusion, previous findings on NK cells could not be confirmed and the study showed no benefit for Roquinimex over placebo regarding relapse or survival following ABMT for AML in remission.