The effect of bestatin on patients with acute and chronic leukemia and malignant lymphoma.

The effects of bestatin was studied in 17 patients with acute and chronic leukemia, and three patients with malignant lymphoma with or without concomitant chemotherapy. Complete remission was obtained in eight patients with acute leukemia and in three patients with malignant lymphoma. Definite effects on both clinical and hematological findings have not been observed in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia. The PPD and PHA skin reactions increased in about 60 percent of the patients examined. Effects of bestatin on hematological and immunological parameters were obtained at a daily dose of from 30 to 90 mg of bestatin everyday for more than 2 weeks. Bestatin appeared to be useful for the maintenance therapy of hematological malignancies. No side effects due to bestatin were detected.