Chemotherapy and radiation therapy
Matsuo, T.; Tomonaga, M.
Nihon Rinsho. Japanese Journal of Clinical Medicine 59(12): 2364-2368
2001
ISSN/ISBN: 0047-1852 PMID: 11766340 Document Number: 538075
Stem cell transplantation and interferon-based treatment are major strategies in chronic phase CML and chemotherapy is one of limited therapeutic options when they are not available or ineffective. Hydroxyurea is superior to busulfan in better effect and lesser side effects. Homoharringtonine, a plant alkaloid, has shown cytogenetic response in one third of patients who were resistant to interferon therapy, and a better response rate in combination with cytarabine and interferon alfa. There have been no improvement of clinical outcome in treatment of accelerated phase and blastic crisis although many trials including decitabine are going on.