Fludarabine--present status and future developments in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and lymphoma

Fludarabine monophosphate (fludarabine) is an adenine nucleoside analogue active in indolent lymphoproliferative diseases which has an increasing role in studies incorporating combinations of agents which exploit biochemical modulation, inhibition of DNA repair, and radiosensitizing effects.

Patients with lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) treated at the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC) and reports in the literature form the basis of this report.

CLL has traditionally been treated with alkylating agents and corticosteroids. In this study, fludarabine has shown marked cytoreductive ability in both previously treated patients and untreated patients. In the former group, there has been a 55% response rate in 374 patients, and 79% in the untreated CLL group. Fludarabine has also been very active in the management of low-grade lymphomas, with two-thirds of patients with follicular lymphoma and half of those with other indolent lymphomas responding. Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia is also sensitive to the effects of fludarabine. Combination regimens were developed incorporating the substantial effectiveness of fludarabine and mitoxantrone where in the previously treated low-grade lymphoma group 25 of 28 patients (89%) responded. Fludarabine has the effect of increasing the triphosphate form of cytosine arabinoside in acute and chronic leukemic cells. This modulation has now been translated into therapy for acute leukemia and combined with cisplatinum in refractory CLL. Fludarabine inhibits DNA repair and enhances cross-linking of DNA by cisplatinum. The combination of fludarabine, ara-C, and cis-platinum is now being used in refractory CLL. Fludarabine is a radiation sensitizer, inhibiting repair of DNA damage. Studies are ongoing with this combination.

Fludarabine is a potent molecule with a wide range of biochemical effects. Optimal use of this drug alone and in combination is continuing to be explored.