Nucleoside analogues in the therapy of langerhans cell histiocytosis: A survey of members of the histiocyte society and review of the literature

Sheila Weitzman, Alan S. Wayne, Robert Arceci, Jeffrey M. Lipton, James A. Whitlock, Giulio De Rossi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

58 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background. Previous reports have suggested activity of the nucleoside analogues 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine (2-CdA) and 2'-deoxycoformycin (2'-DCF) in Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH). Procedure. To assess the efficacy of 2- CdA and 2'-DCF as salvage therapy for LCH, a survey of members of the Histiocyte Society and a literature review were undertaken. Twenty-three patients treated with 2-CdA and 4 treated with 2'-DCF were found, age range 2 months to 49 years. Results. All 15 survey patients had multiorgan involvement, and 14 were heavily pretreated. Doses of 2-CdA ranged from 0.1 mg/kg/day continuous infusion for 5-7 days (majority of patients) to 13 mg/m2/day for 5 days, for 1-6 courses. One of the 15 patients had an early death, 5 had no response (NR), 3 had partial response (PR), and 6 achieved complete response (CR). Among 8 published patients, 7 achieved stable CR and 1 NR. Among 4 patients treated with 2'-DCF (4 mg/m2/week for 8 weeks then q 2 weekly), 2 achieved CR for 16+ and 18+ months and 2 PR for 2 and 5 months. Toxicity consisted mainly of combined myelo- and immunosuppression but no significant infections occurred and there were no toxic deaths. A cumulative thrombocytopenia was noted, which in 1 case took up to 6 months to resolve. Transient gastrointestinal toxicity and elevation of liver enzymes was seen, and 2 patients developed renal tubular acidosis. The peripheral neuropathy reported in adult patients receiving high doses was not seen. Conclusions. 2- CdA and 2'-DCF appear to have a useful role in LCH and are worthy of prospective trial in patients unresponsive to routine therapy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)476-481
Number of pages6
JournalMedical and Pediatric Oncology
Volume33
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1999
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • 2-CdA
  • Langerhans cell histiocytosis
  • Salvage therapy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

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