LONG-TERM DISEASE-FREE SURVIVAL IN ACUTE NONLYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA

Abstract

Of 45 adults, 26 (58%) with acute nonlymphocytic leukemia who were treated with intensive induction chemotherapy [daunorubicin plus prednisone, 6-thioguanine plus cytosine arabinoside or daunorubicin plus cytosine arabinoside] over 5 yr ago entered complete remission. All patients entering remission were placed on weekly maintenance chemotherapy consisting of cytosine arabinoside and 6-thioguanine. The median duration of complete remission was 17 mo.; 7 patients (27%) remained in their initial remission for .gtoreq. 62 to .gtoreq. 102 + mo. All but one of the patients in complete remission over 5 yr have had treatment discontinued. Only 1 of 7 patients in remission for more than 5 yr has relapsed. Median survival is 26.5 mo.; 8 patients (31%) currently remain alive without evidence of leukemia 63-105 mo. from diagnosis. It is possible to achieve long-term disease-free survival with chemotherapy alone in acute nonlymphocytic leukemia.