[Effects of massive administration of cepharanthin on chemotherapy-induced leukopenia]

The effects of Cepharanthine on chemotherapy-induced leukopenia was investigated in our university hospital. Thirty-four patients with gynecological malignant tumors were divided into two groups: One group (20 patients) was administered 50 mg of Cepharanthine intravenously every day during postoperative chemotherapy (CAP or FAMT therapy) period and the other (14 patients) was without administration during the same period. Out of 20 patients treated with Cepharanthine, 14 patients (70%) showed a slight decrease in the number of leukocytes (less than 20% decrease as compared to that before chemotherapy) five weeks after administration of anticancer drugs. Only two patients (14%) demonstrated a slight decrease of the number of leukocytes in the control group. No side effects were observed in the patients who were treated with Cepharanthine. These data suggest that the large dose of Cepharanthine contribute to the prevention of leukopenia in patients who are treated with a sufficient amount of anticancer drugs.