[Sequential combination of high-dose cytosine arabinoside and L-asparaginase in the treatment of refractory acute leukemia and malignant lymphoma].

Clinical effects of sequential administration of high-dose cytosine arabinoside with L-asparaginase were studied in 5 cases of refractory acute leukemia and 2 cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. A total 12 courses were carried out on these 7 patients and complete remission was obtained in 2 courses and partial remission in 3 courses. Two cases of lymphoma with pleural effusion or CNS invasion achieved partial and complete remission, respectively. The side effects associated with this sequential therapy were nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever and conjunctivitis, although these were tolerable. These observations suggest that high-dose cytosine arabinoside combined with L-asparaginase is a useful regimen for refractory leukemia and lymphoma.