Successful oral chemotherapy with idarubicin in refractory anaemia with excess blasts

6 patients with refractory anaemia with excess blasts (RAEB) were treated with a new oral anthracycline, idarubicin. 3 patients achieved complete remission, and the remaining 3 achieved partial remission. These responses were maintained for 8-60 wk, the longer durations being in the patients who achieved complete remission. Treatment was given on an outpatient basis, and all but 1 patient remained at home for most of the disease course. Unwanted effects were mild. It would thus appear that oral idarubicin is an effective treatment for RAEB, in addition to allowing outpatient management. Larger studies are required for further evaluation.