Phase I study of fludarabine (2-fluoro-ara-AMP)

Fludarabine phosphate is a derivative of adenosine arabinoside. The compound is an antimetabolite which resists deamination by the addition of a phosphate moiety. A phase I trial was conducted and showed the safe dose to good-risk patients to be 20 mg/m2 in 125 ml of 5% dextrose given over 30 min every 12 hr for 6 doses. The cycle can be repeated every 21 days. The major side-effect is myelosuppression, which can be severe at higher doses.