Phase I-II study of aclarubicin for treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia

SUMMARY Aclarubicin (ACM) was administered as induction treatment to 38 evaluable patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) who were either refractory to initial chemotherapy or in relapse. Thirteen patients received daily doses of ACM while the remaining 25 were given 10-day courses with 10-day intervals between courses. The overall CR rate was 34% and the incidence and severity of the toxic effects were related to the dose of ACM administered per course of therapy. Our results indicate that ACM is a major new drug for the treatment of AML.