[The continuous-DCMP therapy for acute nonlymphocytic leukemia in elderly patients--comparison with younger patients]

Twenty seven previously untreated patients of acute nonlymphocytic leukemia with age ranging from 30 to 77 years, received a 7-day remission induction regimen consisting of daunorubicin, cytosine arabinoside, 6-mercaptopurine and prednisolone (continuous-DCMP). Patients who achieved complete remission were given ten courses of consolidation therapy and followed without any maintenance therapy. The complete remissions were obtained in 7 of 15 patients (46.6%) 60 years and older, and in 11 of 12 patients (91.7%) 30-59, years of age. Although a high mortality during periods of marrow hypoplasia after the intensive induction therapy, and early relapses in the 60 years and older patients remain major problems, our data suggest the elderly patients deserve a trial of intensive combination chemotherapy.