Aminopterin (a Folic Acid Antagonist) in the Treatment of Leukemia

Abstract

27 adults and 16 children with acute leukemia were treated with aminopterin (4-amino pteroyl glutamic acid), a folic acid antagonist. The results indicated that 4 children showed some clinical and hematologic remission, as evidenced by improvement in sense of well-being and reduction in number of immature leukocytes. In no instance did the bone marrow revert to normal. Evidence of marked toxicity, such as hypoplasia of the bone marrow, severe leukopenia, oral, gastric and rectal bleeding, stomatitis and alopecia, was noted in 15 patients. In 24 subjects no effect was observed. There was no significant change in values of hemoglobin, erythrocytes, platelets or in temp. Inconstant changes in lymph nodes, liver and spleen were encountered.