Use of L-asparaginase and cytosine arabinoside for refractory acute lymphocytic leukemia with particular reference to T-cell leukemia.

Ten patients with late-stage acute lymphocytic leukemia were treated with L-asparaginase and cytosine arabinoside. Complete remission was achieved in 8 patients including 5 of 5 patients with T-cell leukemia. Major toxicity included anaphylactic reactions in 3 of the 10 patients.