[RAEB in transformation in continuing complete remission by small doses of cytarabin]

Two patients with refractory anemia with excess of blasts in transformation having entered remission and in continuing complete remission with the small-dose cytarabine therapy (SDCA) are reported. SDCA was the only chemotherapy used in these two patients. Cytarabine was injected subcutaneously every 12 hours at doses 15 mg and 10 mg, respectively, in cases 1 and 2. Case 1, a 60-year-old woman, achieved remission after a 14-day course of SDCA. Thereafter, she received SDCA for seven consecutive days every month or every other months in the first year and every two or three months in subsequent years. Her remission has been maintained for 57 months. Case 2, a 76-year-old man, attained a remission after three courses of SDCA, each consisting of 16, 11 and 14 days, respectively. SDCA was then repeated every month for 6 consecutive days. He is still in remission after 33 months. Whereas SDCA caused severe bone marrow suppression during induction, it was well tolerated when given in remission without necessitating any supportive measure.