[Phase II study of a new anthraquinone antineoplastic agent, mitoxantrone, in hematological malignancies]

At Saitama Cancer Center a phase II study of mitoxantrone was carried out in 18 patients with hematological malignancy. Mitoxantrone was given at either doses of 3, 5, or 6 mg/m2 daily X 5 in 8 patients with acute leukemia, while 10 patients with NHL were given intravenously at a dose of 10, 12, or 14 mg/m2 every 3 to 4 weeks. Although remission was not obtained in patients with acute leukemia, severe hypoplastic marrow was induced in 3 patients. Of 10 patients with NHL, one achieved CR, and 4 had a PR which lasted 31 weeks, 27 weeks, 19 weeks, 12 weeks +, and 9 weeks+. These patients had previous exposure to anthracyclines. Gastrointestinal toxicity and alopecia were less frequently seen and less severe with mitoxantrone.