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Studies from Catholic University of Korea, Catholic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Center in the area of acute myeloid leukemia therapy published
2007 NOV 19 -- Data detailed in 'Gemtuzumab ozogamicin in combination with attenuated doses of standard induction chemotherapy can successfully induce complete remission without increasing toxicity in patients with acute myeloid leukemia aged 55 or older' have been presented. "In this study, the effectiveness and safety of combining gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) with an abbreviated schedule of standard induction chemotherapy were assessed in 37 patients (aged >or=55) yr with previously untreated acute myeloid leukemia (AML) GO was administered at a dose of 6 mg/m2 as a single 2-h intravenous infusion on day 1. Following GO, an abbreviated schedule of induction chemotherapy consisting of idarubicin (12 mg/m2/d, days 2-4), and N4-behenoyl-1-beta-arabinofuranosyl cytosine (300 mg/m2/d, days 2-6) was given Thirty-seven patients were treated with GO in combination with chemotherapy," scientists in Seoul, Korea report. "Complete remission (CR) and CR with incomplete platelet recovery were achieved in 28 patients (75.7%) and one patient (2.7%) respectively. Two patients (5.4%) died during induction and two patients (5.4%) with grade 4 treatment emergent adverse effects during chemotherapy did not complete induction chemotherapy. The majority of toxicities were mild and manageable. Severe myelosuppresion was universal with significantly prolonged thrombocytopenic period. In total, 25 patients who received consolidation treatment, 19 patients remain alive at the time of analysis," wrote K.S. Eom and colleagues, Catholic University of Korea, Catholic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Center. The researchers concluded: "Thirteen patients had undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, three are preparing for transplantation and seven are receiving their consolidation chemotherapy course Although only a relatively small number of cases were included in this preliminary study and the follow-up duration was short, frontline GO in combination with attenuated conventional chemotherapy was found to be effective and feasible in elderly patients with AML." Eom and colleagues published their study in European Journal of Haematology (Gemtuzumab ozogamicin in combination with attenuated doses of standard induction chemotherapy can successfully induce complete remission without increasing toxicity in patients with acute myeloid leukemia aged 55 or older. European Journal of Haematology, 2007;79(5):398-404). For additional information, contact K.S. Eom, The Catholic University of Korea, Catholic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Center, St. Mary's Hospital, Seoul, Korea. The publisher's contact information for the European Journal of Haematology is: Blackwell Munksgaard, 35 Norre Sogade, PO Box 2148, DK-1016 Copenhagen, Denmark. Keywords: Korea, Seoul, Acute Myeloid Leukemia Therapy, Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Antibiotic, Antineoplastic, Biotechnology, Cell Transplantation, Chemotherapy, Drug Therapy, Gemtuzumab, Gemtuzumab ozogamicin, Hematology, Idarubicin, Medical Device, Monoclonal Antibodies, Oncology, Treatment. This article was prepared by Biotech Business Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Biotech Business Week via NewsRx.com.
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