Splenic irradiation in the treatment of patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia or myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia. Results of daily and intermittent fractionation with and without concomitant hydroxyurea

Journal Article · Mon Sep 15 00:00:00 EDT 1986 · Cancer (Philadelphia); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/1097-0142(19860915)58:6<1204::AID-CNCR2820580605>3.0.CO;2-G· OSTI ID:5005147

Wagner, H Jr; McKeough, P G; Desforges, J; Madoc-Jones, H

Seventeen patients with either chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) or myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia (MMM) received 24 courses of splenic irradiation at this institution from 1973 to 1982. Eleven of the 17 patients had received prior chemotherapy. Patients were treated with /sup 60/Co gamma rays or 6 MV photons. The fraction size ranged from 15 to 100 rad and the total dose per treatment course from 15 to 650 rad, with the exception of one patient who received 1650 rad. Fourteen of 19 courses (71%) given for splenic pain yielded significant subjective relief while 17 of 26 courses given for splenomegaly obtained at least 50% regression of splenic size. Blood counts were carefully monitored before each treatment to limit hematologic toxicity. From this experience, the authors conclude that splenic irradiation effectively palliates splenic pain and reverses splenomegaly in the majority of patients with CML and MMM. Intermittent fractionation (twice or thrice weekly) is more convenient for the patient, appears to be as effective as daily treatment, and may be associated with less hematologic toxicity. Preliminary results of concurrent treatment with splenic irradiation and oral hydroxyurea show promise and warrant further study.

• Research Organization: New England Medical Center Hospitals, Boston, MA
• OSTI ID: 5005147
• Journal Information: Cancer (Philadelphia); (United States), Vol. 6
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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