[Differentiation of human malignant myeloid and lymphoid cells].

In vitro differentiation of malignant cells was obtained with various agents such as DMSO, retinoids, and low concentrations of ARA-C. In vivo treatment with low dose ARA-C in acute non-lymphoblastic leukemia, especially in elderly patients, induced complete remissions. Interferon was active in hairy cell leukemia, not through cytotoxic cell activation but by a direct effect on cell growth of the hairy cells and changes in the expression of some genes.