RADIOACTIVE PHOSPHORUS IN THE TREATMENT OF CHRONIC LEUKEMIAS: LONG-TERM RESULTS OVER A PERIOD OF 15 YEARS

Abstract

Data are recorded concerning the results of therapy of 102 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and 118 patients with chronic granulocytic leukemia who were treated predominantly with P-32. If the leukocyte level was elevated at the time P-32 therapy was started, a substantial decrease in the white blood cell count occurred in practically all cases. Of 57 patients with chronic granulocytic leukemia with an initial thrombocyte count of 1,000,000 per cu. mm., the platelet count decreased significantly after treatment in 22. Only 2 out of 23 anemic non-transfused chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients showed an increase of 2 Gm. or more in the hemoglobin level after P-32 therapy (9%), whereas 22 of 46 similar chronic granulocytic leukemia patients had an increase (48%). No chronic lymphocytic leukemia patient with an initial significant thrombocytopenia showed an increase of the platelet level to normal after therapy, compared to 2 of 8 patients with chronic granulocytic leukemia. Survival rates have been calculated as survival curves. 5-year survival was 51% for chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and only 12.5% for chronic granulocytic leukemia. The causes of death and associated disorders observed in these patients with chronic leukemia have been recorded.