High-dose methotrexate with leucovorin rescue: effectiveness in relapsed hairy cell leukemia

Six patients with relapsed hairy cell leukemia after splenectomy were treated with high-dose methotrexate and leucovorin rescue. Five patients had objective responses as determined by improved blood counts. In two of them, the response has continued for more than 14 and 44 months, respectively. Intensive treatment with high-dose methotrexate and leucovorin rescue was well tolerated and no significant myelosuppression was seen.