1-(2-Chloroethyl)-cyclohexyl-nitrosourea-induced remission in essential thrombocythemia

14 patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET) and 1 patient with agnogenic myeloid metaplasia received (1-(2-chloroethyl)-cyclohexyl-nitrosourea (CCNU), 80 mg/m2, p.o., in a single dose once a month up to three times. Remission was achieved in 13 patients (86.6%) and easily maintained by low-dose busulfan (2 mg twice a week). The data on the treatment of ET reported in the literature have been reviewed and compared to our results.