A fludarabine, topotecan, and cytarabine regimen is active in patients with refractory acute myelogenous leukemia

Abstract

As fludarabine, topotecan and cytarabine (ara-C) are effective in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a pilot study of these three agents combined (FTA) was conducted. FTA consisted of topotecan 1.25 mg/m2 by CIV days 1-5, fludarabine 15 mg/m2 and ara-C 0.5 g/m2 IV, BID, on days 2-6. Seventeen patients (6 primary resistant, 11 relapsed) with AML received 33 courses of FTA. Six patients (35%) achieved complete remission. Seven patients (41%) developed grade 3 or 4 diarrhea. FTA was effective and warrants further study in patients with refractory AML.