Remission induction in chronic granulocytic leukaemia using intermittent high-dose busulphan

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Oncology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Chronic granulocytic leukaemia (CGL) presents a pre-blastic phase requiring effective management.
• Conventional therapies for CGL may have limitations in achieving rapid, high-quality remissions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of busulfan in single, intermittent doses for controlling the pre-blastic phase of CGL.
• To compare the speed and quality of remission achieved with this busulfan regimen against conventional treatments.

Main Methods:

• A series of 19 patients with the pre-blastic phase of CGL were treated.
• Busulfan was administered in single doses ranging from 50-100 mg at 2-week intervals.

Main Results:

• The busulfan regimen successfully controlled the pre-blastic phase of CGL.
• Remissions of superior hematological quality were achieved more rapidly than with conventional therapy.
• No significant increase in Philadelphia chromosome (Ph1)-negative cells in bone marrow was observed.

Conclusions:

• Intermittent single-dose busulfan is an effective treatment for the pre-blastic phase of CGL.
• This therapeutic approach offers faster achievement of higher quality hematological remissions.
• The treatment does not appear to significantly alter the Ph1-negative cell population in the bone marrow.