Phase II trial of mitoxantrone in refractory acute leukemia

Mitoxantrone was administered to 41 adults with refractory acute leukemia. The initial dose employed was 4 mg/m2/day X 5 days. Eventually a starting dose of 10 mg/m2/day X 5 days was used, with some patients receiving a subsequent course at 12 mg/m2/day X 5 days. Three patients had a complete response, one a partial response, and one hematologic improvement. Although antileukemia effect was more frequent at the higher doses, so was death following treatment.