2-Chlorodeoxyadenosine for Patients with B-Cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Resistant to Fludarabine

Abstract

Juliusson et al. (Oct. 8 issue)¹ describe four patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) who responded well to 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine (one with a complete response and three with partial responses), although their disorder was resistant to a structurally similar compound, fludarabine. We certainly welcome these authors' encouraging observations; however, it cannot be inferred from the results in such a small number of patients that 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine will benefit many patients with fludarabine-resistant CLL. Our experience with 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine in patients with no response to fludarabine has been less satisfactory.