Long-term management of polycythemia vera with hydroxyurea: a progress report
Kaplan, M.E.; Mack, K.; Goldberg, J.D.; Donovan, P.B.; Berk, P.D.; Wasserman, L.R.
Seminars in Hematology 23(3): 167-171
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0037-1963 PMID: 3749925 Document Number: 4311
If we accept the -01 phlebotomy patients as an appropriate historical control for the -08 HU group, our data indicate that HU therapy, supplemented by phlebotomy as required to maintain the hematocrit below 50%, significantly diminished the risk of thrombosis associated with phlebotomy alone. To date, this therapeutic goal has been achieved without encountering a significant rise in the incidence of acute leukemia. Additional patient follow up will be required to assess the full leukemogenic potential of HU. Even if this comparison is statistically imperfect, we believe that HU represents an extremely valuable addition to our therapeutic armamentarium in this disorder. Indeed, it may well be the drug of choice, particularly in young patients requiring myelosuppression as well as in older, reliable patients.
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