[Combination treatment of acute non-lymphocytic leukemia with HOAP and AA--preliminary report of 14 cases].

Fourteen patients with acute non-lymphocytic leukemia (ANLL) were alternately treated with HOAP (harritonine, oncovin, Ara-C and prednisone) and AA (adriamycin and Ara-C). The complete response rate was 64.3% (9/14). Four in 5 previously untreated patients and 5 in 9 patients with relapse achieved complete response. The side effects were weakness, gastrointestinal disturbance, bone marrow suppression and pancytopenia, which lasted for 2-3 weeks after discontinuation of treatment. Sinus tachycardia was noted in 3 cases and inverted T wave in 2. The authors consider that this may be a treatment of choice in ANLL because of its high response rate, shorter attainment to complete remission and mild side effects. But the long term results still need to be studied.