2-Chlorodeoxyadenosine treatment of Waldenström's macroglobulinemia--the analysis of own experience and the review of literature.

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the study was to evaluate the results of treatment of Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia with 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine. The evaluation was based on our own experience as well as on the data published previously in the literature.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

25 patients with Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia (MW) were treated with 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine (2-CdA) at the dose of 0.14 mg/kg b.w./day for five consecutive days as 2-hour intravenous infusions. Chemotherapy was repeated every 28 to 35 days.

RESULTS

In one case (4%) a complete remission and in 15 patients (60%) a partial remission was achieved. In 6 patients (24%) stabilization of the disease was observed while in 3 patients (12%) progression was noted during the treatment. As a result of the therapy, the mean monoclonal protein concentration decreased from 28.7 g/l (range 5.5-62.5 g/l) to 16.7 g/l (range 0-62.9 g/l) and the mean hemoglobin concentration increased from 10.6 g/dl (range 6.9-13.4) to 12.4 g/dl (range 8.2-14.8 g/dl).

CONCLUSION

Our own experience, as well as conclusions of other authors, confirm the effectiveness of 2-CdA in MW treatment. Both the results of treatment and intensity of side effects observed in our treatment group were comparable to those described in previous reports.