High remission-induction rate in acute myeloid leukaemia

28 adult patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (A.M.L.) received T.A.D., a high-dose sequential chemotherapeutic remission-induction regimen consisting of 7-day courses of cytosine arabinoside, 6-thioguanine, and daunorubicin. Overall response-rate was 82%. 22 patients (79%) achieved complete remission, and 1 had a partial remission. Median remission duration was 280 days and median survival 375 days. 10 patients remain in remission. These induction results are superior to those reported in most studies and indicate that disease remission can be achieved in a high proportion of patients with A.M.L. treated with an intensive multi-agent chemotherapeutic regimen, provided support facilities are adequate.