Loading...
The myeloproliferative subtype of chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (MP-CMML) has a poor prognosis among patients who are ineligible for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. Hydroxyurea and the hypomethylating agent decitabine have clinical activity in controlling elevated white blood counts (WBC) and reducing myeloblasts. Investigators compared these agents as initial therapy for CMML in a multinational, industry-sponsored, phase 3 trial.
One hundred seventy patients were randomized to oral hydroxyurea, titrated from 1 to 4 g daily to maintain WBC within the normal range, or to intravenous decitabine, given at 20 mg/m2 on days 1 to 5 of each 28-day cycle. Erythroid- and platelet-stimulating agents were not allowed. Treatment continu…