[Comparison of low-dose cytosine arabinoside and aclarubicin in combination with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor to intermediate-dose cytosine arabinoside and mitoxantrone with or without etoposide in the treatment of relapsed acute myeloid leukemia].

We used a new chemotherapy regimen for the treatment of 18 consecutive patients with relapsed AML. The regimen consisted of low-dose cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C), low-dose aclarubicin and concurrent use of G-CSF (CAG regimen). Fifteen out of 18 patients (83%) achieved complete remission (CR). Median CR duration and median survival were 6 months and 15 months, respectively. These results were similar to those of previously reported salvage therapies for relapsed AML including intensive chemotherapy consisting of intermediate-dose Ara-C and sequential mitoxantrone with or without etoposide (MC/MEC), which we previously adopted. Myelosuppression and non-hematological toxicities were apparently lower and less frequent compared to MC/MEC. The CAG regimen seems promising for the treatment of relapsed AML with its low toxicity contributing to a high quality of life for the patient.