Aim: To try effectiveness of fludarabine monotherapy in verified chronic lymphoid leukemia (CLL) in pretreated patients.
Material and methods: The treatment effectiveness according to the international criteria of complete and partial remission was assessed in 37 patients with progressive, splenic, tumor and bone marrow forms of CLL given 5-day courses of fludarabine in a single daily dose 25 mg.
Results: In progressive CLL, the remission was achieved in 45% of the patients (10% complete and 35% partial), in splenic form--62.5% (12.5% complete, 50% partial), in tumor form--50% (100% partial). In bone marrow form no remissions were obtained.
Conclusion: Fludarabine is effective in therapy of pretreated CLL patients. The treatment should be adjusted to CLL form.