[Small dose of ARA-C in the treatment of an elderly patient with acute myeloblastic leukemia].

A 79 year old man with a history of myocardial infarction and cerebral infarction was admitted to our hospital in August, 1982. The hematological examination showed anemia and leukopenia (myeloblast 12%), and bone marrow aspiration confirmed the diagnosis of acute myeloblastic leukemia (FAB, M2). Because his general condition was poor, he was treated with small dose of Ara-C (10 mg/m2/12 hr, subcutaneous injections), obtaining complete remission. In cases of acute myeloblastic leukemia in elderly patients where other intensive treatments are contraindicated, it appears to be useful to employ a method of small dose of Ara-C therapy.