Fludarabine phosphate therapy of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Fludara I.V. (fludarabine phosphate) was tested by the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patients who failed or relapsed after prior chemotherapy and radiation. Fifty-seven patients with low- or intermediate-grade (working formulation) lymphoma were treated with 18 mg/m2 daily for 5 days every 28 days. Preliminary data analysis shows an overall response (complete response [CR] plus partial response [PR]) rate of 28%, consisting of 18% CR and 27% PR in patients with low-grade histologies and 11% CR and 6% PR in patients with intermediate-grade histologies. Toxicity was mild and mainly included moderate myelosuppression. A 9% incidence of reversible neurologic side effects was seen. Based on this activity in previously treated patients, combination studies with Fludara I.V. in untreated patients are planned.